Punjab Newsline | Kullu
International Kullu Dussehra festival began on Wednesday with a grand Rath Yatra, drawing a large gathering of devotees and filling the Kullu Valley with religious fervour.
Lord Raghunath’s chariot reached the Rath Ground at around 4:22 pm. The procession commenced at approximately 5:14 pm amid chants of “Jai Shri Ram” and “Jai Shri Raghunath”. The valley resonated with the sounds of drums, traditional musical instruments, including Karnal, Narsingha and shehnai, as devotees gathered to witness the ceremonial procession.
Kullu Superintendent of Police Abhishek Sekhar said that 1,265 personnel have been deployed for the festival’s security. The force includes 1,125 police personnel and 140 Home Guards to ensure the smooth conduct of the celebrations.
The Dussehra festival committee had extended invitations to 347 deities this year, continuing the centuries-old tradition that makes the event a major religious and cultural gathering in Himachal Pradesh.
Meanwhile, Rajni Patil, Congress in-charge for Himachal Pradesh, arrived in Kullu as part of her visit. State Congress president Vinay Kumar also reached the town. Patil was welcomed at Dhalpur by Kumar, Kullu MLA Sunder Thakur and other party workers.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu extended his greetings to the people of Himachal Pradesh, devotees and tourists attending the festival. In a social media post, he described Kullu Dussehra as a unique celebration of religious faith and rich folk culture that preserves the state’s glorious traditions across generations.
Paying obeisance to Lord Raghunath, the Chief Minister expressed hope that the deity’s blessings would always remain with everyone.
The International Kullu Dussehra is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most prominent cultural and religious festivals, attracting devotees, tourists and deities from across the region.
