Kullu, Himachal Pradesh – Thousands of devotees congregated in Kullu on Wednesday, marking the commencement of the week-long Dasehra celebrations with the ceremonial pulling of the wooden chariot, or ‘Rath’, of the presiding deity, Lord Raghunath. The procession saw the Rath transported from the northern end of the Dhalpur ground to its temporary camp temple at the centre, where a series of rituals will be conducted over the next seven days. The significant procession was led by Maheshwar Singh, the titular head of the region’s erstwhile royal family, accompanied by his descendants.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that earlier in the day, traditional rites were observed at the Raghunath temple premises following the arrival of Hadimba Mata, revered as the matriarch of the royal lineage. Idols representing Lord Raghunath, Sita, Hanuman, and various other deities were reverently carried from their permanent sanctuary in Sultanpur to Dhalpur. These divine figures were transported in elaborately decorated palanquins, accompanied by law enforcement and Home Guard personnel who guided the procession through Sarwari and Lower Dhalpur. Residents along the route paid their respects to the chief deity. Subsequently, the idols were carefully placed into a beautifully adorned wooden chariot.
A notable aspect of the procession was the participation of palanquins carrying local deities from across the district, accompanied by traditional musical ensembles. These local deities joined Lord Raghunath in the procession, symbolizing a divine congregation. The event was attended by Governor Kavinder Gupta, who observed the proceedings. A large gathering, comprising men, women, and children dressed in traditional attire, alongside hundreds of domestic and international tourists, assembled to witness the spectacle. The air resonated with the rhythmic beat of drums and the melodious strains of shehnais.
The Kullu Dasehra festival, which has been celebrated since the mid-17th century, commences on Vijaya Dashami, the same day the festivities typically conclude across the rest of India. According to representatives of the Raghunath Ji Trust, the almanac indicated October 21 as the commencement date for the festival in the current year. The festival is distinct for its tradition of bringing together hundreds of deities from various parts of Kullu district for a unique divine gathering.
Following the procession, the Governor inaugurated several exhibitions staged by various government departments, boards, corporations, and non-governmental organizations. He took time to visit the stalls and appreciate the displays presented. The Governor also offered prayers at the Raghunath Ji camp temple, a focal point for the week-long celebrations. In the evening, he formally inaugurated the International Folk Dance Festival, an event scheduled to run for a week at the Kala Kendra, by performing a traditional pooja and lighting a ceremonial lamp.
During his address, the Governor conveyed his felicitations to the people of Himachal Pradesh, commending the residents for their dedication to preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage and ancient traditions amidst the pressures of modernization. He emphasized the importance of continuing these practices for future generations. The Kala Kendra served as the venue for various cultural programmes throughout the evening. Sunder Singh Thakur, Chairman of the Kullu Dasehra Festival Committee and the MLA for Kullu Sadar constituency, extended a welcome to the Governor. He also highlighted that new elements had been incorporated into this year’s festival to further enhance its grandeur and appeal.
The Chenab Times News Desk