Week-long Kullu Dasehra begins; 305 deities invited

Our Correspondent

KULLU, OCTOBER 19

The seven-day-long Dasehra celebrations commenced here with the Rath yatra today. The idols of Lord Raghunath, chief deity of Kullu, along with other idols were placed in a beautifully decorated wooden chariot. Hundreds of devotees pulled the rath from the northern end of Dhalpur ground to the camp temple of Raghunath, erected in the middle of the maidan where religious activities and meeting of local deities will be carried out during the festival.

Many palanquins of deities with their bands accompanied Lord Raghunath in the rath yatra. Men, women and children in their traditional folk dresses, besides hundreds of foreign and domestic tourists, gathered to watch the spectacular event. There was gaiety and fervour amidst the rhythmical sound of drums and lilting of shahnaes.

More than 225 deities from various parts of the Kullu district are participating in the festival this year. The invitations have been sent to 305 deities. Kullu Dasehra is being celebrated since mid-17th century and the celebrations begin on Vijaya Dashami, the day when the festivities end in the rest of the country.

Himachal Pradesh Governor Acharya Devvrat witnessed the rath yatra and felicitated the people of the valley on the auspicious occasion of Dasehra, which symbolizes victory of truth over evil. He said Himachal Pradesh had a unique culture and a distinct identity. Later, the Governor inaugurated the exhibitions put up by various government departments, boards, corporations and other non-government organizations.

The Governor visited different stalls and appreciated the exhibits. The Governor also performed pooja at Raghunath Ji camp temple at the Dhalpur ground.

The Governor later inaugurated the week-long International Folk Dance Festival by performing pooja and lighting a lamp at Kala Kendra in the evening. Various cultural programmes were held in the Kala Kendra.

Chairman of the Kullu Dasehra Festival Committee and Transport minister Govind Singh Thakur welcomed the Governor.

Caption: Devotees pull the wooden chariot of Lord Raghunath to commence the week-long Kullu Dasehra festival at Dhalpur on Friday.

International Folk Dance Festival 

• Kullu Dasehra is being celebrated since mid-17th century and the celebrations begin on Vijaya Dashami, the day when the festivities end in the rest of the country.
• The Governor later inaugurated the week-long International Folk Dance Festival by performing pooja and lighting a lamp at Kala Kendra.