Abhinav Vashisht
Kullu, October 8
Governor Bandaru Dattatreya witnessed the “rath yatra” and felicitated people of the valley on the occasion of Kullu Dasehra here today.
The descendants of erstwhile ruler of Rupi (Kullu) valley along with the head of family Maheshwar Singh led the “rath yatra” to commence the seven-day long Dasehra celebrations.
The idols of lord Rama and Sita were placed in a decorated wooden chariot called “Rath” and was pulled by hundreds of devotees from the northern end of Dhalpur Maidan to the camp temple of Raghunathji, which was set up in the middle of the maidan where religious activities and meeting of local Gods and Goddesses will be carried out during the festival.
Many palanquins of gods and goddesses 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 event. Rhythmical sound of drums and lilting of “shehnais” added to the gaiety and fervour.
Deities from various parts of Kullu district are participating in the festival after the invitation was sent to 331 deities. Kullu Dasehra is being celebrated since mid-seventeenth century and celebrations begin on Vijaya Dashami, the day when the festivities end in the rest of the country.
Later, the Governor inaugurated the exhibitions put up by various government departments, boards, corporations and other non-government organisations. He visited stalls and appreciated the exhibits. The Governor also performed “puja” at the Raghunathji camp temple at Dhalpur ground. Later during the day, he inaugurated the week-long international folk dance festival by lighting a lamp at Kala Kendra, where various cultural programmes were held.
Govind Singh Thakur, Chairman of the Kullu Dasehra Festival Committee and Transport Minister, welcomed the Governor.
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