The week-long International Dussehra Festival commenced at Kullu with traditional fervour and enthusiasm on Thursday. Governor Acharya Devvrat Governor inaugurated the festival by participating in the Rath yatra of lord Raghunath at Dhalpur ground in Kullu.
The Governor said that the culture of the State was unique and had a distinct identity. The fairs and festivals celebrated on various occasions provide a glimpse of rich traditions and beliefs of the people.
He lauded the people of the State for preserving the rich culture and age old customs and traditions in the present times also and added that younger generation should be made aware of the same to instill pride in their hearts for the motherland.
later, the Governor also inaugurated the exhibition put up by various Government departments, boards, corporations and other non government organisations.
He visited the stalls and appreciated the exhibits. About 200 deities from various parts of Kullu Valley are participating in the weeklong festival.
Ayurveda Minister Karan Singh, MlA Maheshwar Singh, Member of Parliament Ram Swaroop, former Union Minister Satpal Maharaj, MlA and Vice Chairman National Commission for Scheduled Tribe Ravi Thakur, MlA Govind Thakur, Deputy Commissioner Kullu Rakesh Kanwar and SP Padam Chand were also present on the occasion. Dussehra festival was also celebrated at the historic Hanuman Temple at Jakhoo, int he state Capital Shimla.
Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh joined the celebration with a large number of people of the town and pilgrims from various parts of the country.
He lit the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkarna and Meghnath.
He said that it was one of the prominent festival organised throughout the country by people of all faiths and religions. The Chief Minister said that this day inspires us to shed all evils and to adopt good conduct in life.
The Temple Trust also honoured the Chief Minister on occasion by presenting him a memento. Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated alternate road from Jakhoo parking to Jungle House.
President State Youth Congress Vikramaditya Singh, Vice Chairman State Tourism Development Corporation Harish Janartha, Deputy Commissioner Shimla Dinesh Malhotra, Councilors of Shimla Municipal Corporation and other prominent persons of the town along-with thousands of devotees were present on the occasion.