The ancient Kullu Dasehra festival has commenced in Himachal Pradesh with an infusion of religious fervour, drawing approximately 300 deities from across the district to the Dhalpur ground for a week-long spiritual congregation. The International Kullu Dasehra Festival Committee had extended invitations to 347 deities, with many having arrived and settled into temporary camps specifically erected for the grand event.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the deities, accompanied by their traditional attendants known as ‘devloos,’ oracles, and a multitude of devotees, have made their way from the Kullu, Manali, Banjar, and Anni subdivisions. Their arrival has transformed the festival venue into a vibrant hub of faith and deeply rooted traditions.
The atmosphere at Dhalpur is alive with the resonant sounds of conch shells, drums, and shehnai, accompanying the ongoing rituals and offerings within the temporary sanctuaries. Devotees engage in the centuries-old practice of carrying palanquins from their respective camps to the temporary shrine dedicated to Lord Raghunath, who is revered as the presiding deity of the valley. These camps are imbued with the sanctity of temples, where prayers are conducted each morning and evening.
A cherished tradition involves the devloos carrying the deities to visit one another’s camps, a symbolic gesture that fosters divine interaction and reinforces the bonds between various communities. The melodic strains of traditional folk instruments and the chants of priests lend a distinctive spiritual character to these assemblies, where devotees and participants mingle freely within a celebratory ambiance.
Lord Raghunath’s camp serves as the central point for all religious activities throughout the festival. Following the morning worship, female devotees gather to sing hymns and bhajans. The deity is then ceremonially bathed and adorned with garlands, and a ‘bhog,’ or sacred offering, is presented in the presence of hundreds of worshippers. Adhering to established customs, prayers are observed four times daily for the entire duration of the festivities.
In parallel to the religious observances, Governor Kavinder Gupta, accompanied by Lady Governor Bindu Gupta, attended the inaugural cultural evening on Wednesday. The Governor officially opened the International Folk Dance Festival at the Kala Kendra by lighting a ceremonial lamp. He was received by the Dasehra committee president and MLA, Sunder Singh Thakur, who presented him with a traditional Kullvi cap, shawl, and a memento.
The cultural programme commenced with performances by local artistes. This was followed by a musical presentation by singer Rajeev Raja, who captivated the audience with renditions of popular Hindi film songs and traditional Pahari tunes. Tariq Malik then presented a selection of patriotic and film-themed numbers, while Sufi singer Mamta Joshi invoked a devotional atmosphere with her bhajans. The band Abhigya further entertained the gathering with a repertoire of popular songs.
Artistes hailing from various parts of Himachal Pradesh showcased the state’s rich cultural tapestry through performances of folk music and the distinctive Kullvi Nati. The evening was further enhanced by a fashion show and other diverse performances, culminating in the rendition of the national song and the national anthem.
The festival effectively unites the valley’s profound religious traditions with its vibrant cultural heritage, attracting a significant number of devotees and visitors who partake in this shared celebration of faith and art.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
