Kullu (HP), Oct 21 The week-long Kullu Dussehra festival commenced here on Wednesday with the chariot procession of Lord Raghunath and palanquins of hundreds of deities arriving at the historic chariot ground here.
Thousands of people, including tourists from India and abroad, gathered at the ground to seek divine blessings and immerse themselves in the grand festivities. Himachal Pradesh governor Kavinder Gupta and other prominent people were among those present.
Melodious sounds of traditional musical instruments and religious chants echoed in the air as locals celebrated a tradition that dates back to the 16th century. The festivities in Kullu start just as Dussehra concludes across the rest of India on Vijayadashmi.
“The assembly of these Gods and Goddesses since 500 years at the historic Kullu Maidan itself speaks of the rich heritage of Kullu Valley,” Sonali Gupta, an expert anthropologist, said.
This year the administration had “invited” over 347 deities and more than 200 deities are expected to come.
Since morning, the deities, decked up in finery, from across Kullu district started arriving in Raghunathpur — the abode of Lord Raghunath — to pay their respects at his court. In the afternoon, Lord Raghunath departed for Dhalpur seated in his palanquin.
Upon Lord Raghunath’s arrival in Dhalpur, the entire valley resonated with chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’. This was followed by the commencement of Lord Raghunath’s chariot procession, which drew spectators from far and wide.
Goddess Hidimba plays a pivotal role in Kullu Dussehra and is considered the matriarch of the royal Kullu family.
The ‘Dev Maha Kumbh’ (the congregation of deities) that constitutes Kullu Dussehra begins only upon the arrival of Goddess Hidimba from Manali.
Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta said that the Dussehra festival is an ancient tradition and witnessing this event evokes a unique and profound feeling.
Gupta said he felt privileged to be a witness to this historic moment.
The experience left most visitors in awe.
“The sheer vibrancy of the entire town with the hundreds of traditional musical instruments accompanied by the colourful deities adds a magical splendour to the whole scene,” Pradip Das, an ad filmmaker, said.
Maurvi and Kalyani, twin sisters from Chandigarh, said it was their first time experiencing the festival. “We were awestruck with the pomp and gaiety of Dusshera,” said Maurvi.
“Himachal is renowned for its ancient culture and today we witnessed a vivid testament to that heritage,” said Vikrant, adding that he comes every year to seek the blessings of Lord Raghunath and watch the chariot procession.
The massive crowd and the sight of the palanquins carrying the deities is absolutely extraordinary, said Sonali, a tourist from Chandigarh.
Security has been beefed up for Kullu Dussehra and the town has been divided into six sectors with deployment of 1,265 additional police personnel, along with 140 home guard jawans.
A traffic plan has been devised to ensure that people do not face any issues during the festivities, said Superintendent of Police Kullu Abhishek Sekar.
(PTI News)
