Kullu: The week long Kullu Dussehra got started here today with Governor Achayara Devvrat inaugurating the festival that will have international troupes participating in the cultural events.
Thousands of devotees thronged the historic festival grounds as the Lord Raghunath rath (chariot) arrived with a congregation of local deities (Devtas) waiting to receive the presiding deity of the valley at the ground.
After arriving at venue, the chariot of Lord Raghunath was pulled by hundreds of devotees. Pulling the ropes of the chariot at the festival is considered as a good omen. The rath is pulled to the temporary camp at the Dussehra ground, where the Lord rests till end of the festival. Devotees from all walks of like come to have ‘darshan’ and pay their obeisance.
The Governor felicitated the people of the valley on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra, which symbolizes victory of the truth over evil. He said, ”The people of the state deserve appreciation for preserving their rich culture, age-old customs and traditions in the present era of modernization, which needs to be carried for future generations too so that coming generations could realise and respect their rich traditions which is the real identity of Himachal Pradesh.”
Later, the Governor inaugurated the exhibition put up by various government departments, boards, corporations and other non-government organizations. He also visited the stalls and appreciated the exhibits.
More than 225 deities from various parts of Kullu district are participating in this festival.
Earlier, the Governor has accorded warm welcome on his arrival at Bhuntar Airport.
Transport Minister Govind Thakur, MLAs, officers of the district administration were present on the occasion.
A theater artist, a script writer and a TV anchor, news is something that grips Renuka. She lives in Kullu.
