The week-long International Kullu Dussehra festival got off to a colourful start today with a traditional Rath Yatra while the rest of the state celebrated by burning effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran.
Himachal Pradesh Governor Acharya Devvrat inaugurated the festival in Kullu as the Navratra and the Durga Puja festivals concluded with immersion of idols of Durga at various places.
Kullu Dussehra is uniqueas it starts when Dussehra festivities end in other parts of the country. There is neither a Ramlila, nor are effigies set on fire.
Dussehra in Kullu commences on the 10th day of the rising moon, "Vijaya Dashmi", and continues for seven days.
Dating back to the 17th century, Kullu Dussehra is a blend of culture, history and rituals. Thousands gathered on the first day of the celebration to pay their respects to Lord Raghunath. The idol of Raghunath is brought from Sultanpur templein a gaily decorated chariot.
Devotees vie with each other for a chance to pull the ropes of the chariot as it is considered "auspicious".
The festival concludes with the sacrifice of five animals and the chariot is brought to the banks of Beas River where a mass of wood grass is burnt to signify "Lanka Dahan".
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