The week-long international Dussehra Festival commenced with traditional fervour and enthusiasm at Kullu today. Acharya Devvrat Governor inaugurated the festival by participating in the Rath yatra of Lord Raghunath ji at Dhalpur ground in Kullu.Governor felicitated people of the valley on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra which symbolizes victory of truth over evil. He 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 added.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 Governor also inaugurated the exhibition put up by various government departments, boards, corporations and other non government organizations. 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 Shri Karan Singh, MLA Shri Maheshwar Singh, Member of Parliament Shri Ram Swaroop, former Union Minister Shri Satpal Maharaj, MLA and Vice Chairman National Commission for Scheduled Tribe Shri Ravi Thakur, MLA Shri Govind Thakur, Deputy Commissioner Kullu Shri Rakesh Kanwar and Superintendent Police Shri Padam Chand were also present on the occasion.