Grand Chariot Procession Kicks Off International Dussehra Festival in Kullu

Kullu, October 21 (Daily Kiran) : The International Dussehra Festival in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, commenced on October 21 with a majestic procession of Lord Raghunath. Thousands of devotees gathered at Dhalpur Maidan to witness the festivities, which will last for seven days. During this time, Lord Raghunath will reside in a temporary camp before returning to his temple after the symbolic burning of Lanka.

In the evening, the Governor will inaugurate a cultural program at the local art center. The chariot procession drew a massive crowd, with participants chanting “Jai Shri Ram” as they pulled the chariot of Lord Raghunath. Deities from various regions also joined the procession, adding to the grandeur of the event.

Around 4 PM on Wednesday, Lord Raghunath arrived at Dhalpur from Raghunathpur, where he climbed aboard his chariot. Accompanying him were his chief attendant Maheshwar Singh and members of the royal family. The atmosphere was lively, filled with the sounds of drums and traditional music as deities participated in the ceremony.

The procession adhered to traditional customs, with the priest of Lord Raghunath leading the rituals. Notable deities, including Mata Hidimba, Devta Bijli Mahadev, and others, were part of the event, enhancing the spiritual ambiance.

As the chariot was pulled towards the temporary camp, thousands of devotees bowed in reverence, seeking blessings from Lord Raghunath. The crowd at Dhalpur Maidan was immense, as people gathered to witness the divine spectacle.

Danvendra Singh, the caretaker of Lord Raghunath, confirmed that the deity will remain in his temporary camp for seven days, with special prayers and rituals scheduled during this time. Devotees travel from far and wide to seek blessings.

Governor Kavindra Gupta remarked on the ancient traditions associated with Dussehra, noting the significant turnout for Lord Raghunath’s procession. Observing the grandeur, he felt as if the deities had descended from the heavens to bless the earth, drawing not only local attendees but also visitors from abroad.

Tourists like Mohit from Lucknow expressed excitement about finally experiencing the Kullu Dussehra, having heard much about it. The vibrant atmosphere, filled with devotees and deities, left a lasting impression.

Jennifer from Mumbai shared her emotional experience of witnessing the chariot procession for the first time. She appreciated the opportunity to see all the deities residing in the Himalayas and felt that the festival lived up to its reputation.

Alex, a visitor from France, found the traditions of the International Dussehra Festival unique. He enjoyed witnessing the chariot procession and learned about the rich cultural heritage, planning to visit other deities’ camps in the coming days.