Kullu Dussehra concludes with symbolic Lanka Dahan

The week-long 'Kullu Dussehra' in Himachal Pradesh concluded today with the return of Raghunathji to its abode at Sultanpur temple and a symbolic 'Lanka Dahan'.
Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh announced a 15 per cent hike in the 'nazrana' for local deities on the occasion.
Thousands of people pulled the ropes as the chariot of Raghunathji, the presiding deity of the Kullu valley, returned.
"The dussehra festival speaks in volume of the rich cultural legacy of the state. It also gives a stage for promotion of handloom and handicraft along-with the Lavi fair of Rampur," he said.
The chief minister said the Congress government has always worked for development and welfare of people of the state.

"Though the BJP has often criticised me for opening educational institutions, I am determined that every child gets education at their door step," he said, alleging that the saffron party was known for de-notifying educational institutes.
The state government has also given priority to the health sector and out of the three new medical colleges, two medical colleges at Chamba and Nahan have been made functional, he said.
Singh said forest clearance was awaited forconstruction of a medical college at Hamirpur and that land for an AIIMS, had already been transferred to the Centre.