Kullu: Kullu Dussehra of Himachal Pradesh which made ancient Kullu popular almost globally, has been reduced to a symbolic ritual this year due to the pandemic.
The weeklong world-famous Kullu Dussehra festivities begin here on October 25 in the presence of just seven prominent deities.
Every year hundreds of deities used to reach the Dhalpur Maidan, but this time only a limited number of deities were able to participate in the Dussehra festival.
Unlikely every year, when the Kullu Dussehra sees palanquins and coming together of hundreds of deities (it is believed that idols of these deities mark their presence for the festivities), the festivities this year missed the regular lustre.
Traders upset over the ban on business
In Kullu Dussehra, traders used to reach from nearby districts and states as well as from abroad. There was also an opportunity to buy local produce, especially Kullu shawls, caps and warm clothes used in winter, but this time the business is completely banned.
Due to the guidelines issued in view of Corona, neither business nor entertainment nor tourism could be showcased this time. Businessmen are also unhappy because of the regulations issued due to Corona.
Kullu Dussehra, an international folk dance festival celebrated for seven days at the historic Dhalpur Maidan, has a unique identity in terms of religious beliefs, early traditions, cultural events, tourism, trade and entertainment, but this time the Dussehra Committee failed to follow all the traditions of this heritage, due to onslaught of Corona.
Dussehra organized in three phrases
Dussehra festival is popularly known as Vijayadashami among the local people. Dussehra festival mainly consists of three parts Thakur coming out in open, Mohalla and Lanka Dahan.
At the beginning of Dussehra, first, the descendants of the kings are worshipped by the descendants of Goddess Hidimba and from the palace, Raghunath Ji rides the chariot grounds towards Dhalpur.
The scene of the graceful journey from Rajmahal to Rath Maidan is unique and enchanting. The statue of Raghunathji is kept in a decorated chariot in the Dhalpur Rath Maidan.
Hundreds of Gods and Goddesses are also present at this place, Goddesses coming from different parts of the district congregate here.
The rhythmic sound of traditional Himachali instruments and the chanting of Raghunath's statue in the atmosphere are brought to the middle of the Dhalpur Maidan by a large crowd, where the statue of Raghunathji is kept in the already established camp.
But this time, this tradition was carried out in a toned-down manner.
Raghunath ji's rath yatra is called taking out of Thakur Ji. The Rath Yatra is accompanied by a unique confluence of faith, reverence and gaiety among the Kullavi traditions, beliefs, deities, traditional costumes, musical instruments, deities. On the sixth day of Dussehra, popularly known as Mohalla, all the gods and goddesses make their presence felt by attending the camp of Raghunathji.
During this time, the meeting of Gods and Goddesses gives a message of mutual love in mankind. To see this devotional and panoramic view, thousands of people gather not only from different states across the country, but also foreign tourists, but this time only limited people and limited deities are participating with social distance. On the occasion of the Mohalla, Shakti Pujan is done in front of the Raghunath camp at night.
On the last day of Dussehra festival, a statue of Raghunathji is taken out of the camp and kept in the chariot and this chariot is pulled and brought to the end of the field. The Gods and Goddesses present in Dussehra participate in this journey. Devalu and the rural musical instruments are played along with the palanquins of the gods and goddesses.
ALSO READ: International Kullu Dussehra begins, Lord Raghunath’s procession continues
