Kullu Dussehra : Celebrating the Victory over the Evil

The Week long Dussehra Festival has started in Kullu on 28th September 2009.

Dussehra ( Vijay Dashmi)is one of the important Indian festival it is celebrated on the eve of Lord Rama’s victory over demon Ravana. It is believed that the war against Ravana lasted for ten days and on the Tenth day Ravana was killed by Lord Rama. Thus it is also known as Vijay Dashmi (Vijay meaning Victory and Dashmi means Tenth)

Though this festival is celebrated all over India but Dussehra at Kullu is unique. Unlike rest of the India no Ravana effigies are burned here. It is celebrated without Ramlilla.

The history of Kullu ‘Dussehra’ dates back to the 17th century when the King Jaganand bought an idol of Raghunath (Lord Ram) and it was installed on his throne as a mark of penance, after which lord Raghunath is known as the ruling deity of the Kullu valley. There is a ancient temple of lord Raghunath at Sultanpur, near the palace of the King Jaganand.

The Seven day long festival, begins with the Rath( Chariot) yatra of Lord Raghunath from main temple. The idols of Lord Raghunath stays for Seven days at the temporary camp on Dhalpur Ground and on the seventh day Lanka Dahan is performed, it ends the festival and Lord Raghunath returns to the Temple at Sultanpur.

The arrival of Goddess Hadimba’s palanquin at Kullu is a prerequisite for the Dussehra festivities to begin. About a kilometre from Manali stands Dhungri Temple, built around about 500 years ago. It is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba Devi, wife of Bhim, one of the five Pandav brothers.

The palanquin reaches short of the Raghunath Temple to await a special messenger, who carries a “silver chhari” and escorts Hadimba Devi to the temple. The special messenger is also the presiding deity of the Kullu Dussehra. Next is the permission from Bhekhli Mata after which Lord Raghunath is brought out of the temple to commence the journey for rath yatra. The Rath (Chariot) is placed at Dhalpur Ground.

About 365 deities of various parts of Kullu valley gathers in Dhalpur Ground to participate in the Yatra.

With other gods and goddesses, and a large number of devotees and priests, the procession heads towards Dhalpur ground from the Raghunath Temple. After reaching there thousands of devotees and priests. After being enshrined in ancient wooden chariot, Lord Raghunath is taken to the middle of the ground. The chariot is pulled by hundreds of devotees. After the prayers, the festivities begin with folk music accompanied by hill orchestra.

A large number of visitors from home and abroad throng Kullu to witness this unique congregation of deities during the festival.

A lots of interesting info to come, so keep visiting.

Endless fall

Here they come again

Irresistible clouds!

After the rains

The water in the river has got muddy all over.

water Streak

Small water sources from mountains

Way to Go

Beas river in its youth!

Clouds

Colors

100th Post

Today is my 100th post on this blog. I started this blog to share this beautiful part of world, known as Kullu. There are many facts, destination wonders here which are still unknown undiscovered by the world.



I am here in an attempt to cover various aspects. During this period I have learnt a lot about Kullu and all you people out there have encouraged me to do more! Your comments, critics have helped me a lot to bring out beautiful pics for you!

Hope this beautiful relationship of ours grows more with each post !

Magical

A picture is better than thousand words and for pictures like these i don't even find a single word to describe.

Enjoy have a great Week ahead!

Sunset

Clouds are taking over

For the last few days its been raining heavily here. All we can see is water and clouds !

Old Age

An old village lady of nearly 80 years walking along the road !

Two sides of Life

Darkness : Sorrow

Ray of light : Hope

Busy Bee....

Deep Valley

Bird's eye view of the valley from top of a height of around 1500-1600 mt altitude.

Cloud Formations

I think i am getting obsessed with the cloud photography!

I just can help it, everytime i look at sky i just can't stop clicking!

Love is all around

A very Special Day

Today is a very special day and I am not posting my picture today. Its my Brother's Birthday, he's been my guide, my idiol, my saviour and a father figure for me!



This potograph is taken by him and you can see his perfection.

love you so much! Happy Birthday Bhaiya!

From Nature's Color Palette

Mother Nature creates beautiful pictures each day each moment. So many colors, uniquely blended creating a splendid view.

Another mother nature's miracle...

Gazinias From my garden !

Flowers are a symbol of love, happiness and prosperity.

Kullu Manali Airport

A view of The runway from the other side of the beas river, The Kullu Manali Airport is situated in Bhuntar ( 10 KM) from Kullu. The paved runway is 3690 ft at an elevation of 3573 ft. Presently there are three companies operating. There are Daily flights to Delhi.

Mr. Black n White

Aging man in traditional Kullvi cap and coat.

Road to heaven

Do i need words to explain this ?
Just close your eyes and imagine to be here!