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PM Modi participates in Kullu Dussehra celebrations, becomes first ever Prime Minister to do so - See pics

Donning a traditional Himachali cap, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accompanied by Himachal Pradesh Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur at the Dhalpur Ground of Kullu.

 

PM Narendra Modi participates in Kullu Dussehra celebrations

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PM Narendra Modi participates in Kullu Dussehra celebrations

In the nearly 400 years of history of the world-famous week-long Kullu Dussehra festivities, Narendra Modi on Wednesday (October 5, 2022) became the first ever Prime Minister to pay obeisance to Kullu Valley's chief deity Lord Raghunath. 

 

PM Narendra Modi witnessed the iconic 'rath yatra'

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PM Narendra Modi witnessed the iconic 'rath yatra'

Accompanied by Himachal Pradesh Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur at the Dhalpur Ground of Kullu, PM Modi witnessed the 'rath yatra' amid the presence of nearly 300 deities.

 

'My good fortune to be part of Kullu Dussehra', PM Modi expressed

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'My good fortune to be part of Kullu Dussehra', PM Modi expressed

"It is my good fortune that I got the opportunity to be a part of the historic Kullu Dussehra," PM Modi said.

 

PM Modi donned a traditional Himachali cap

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PM Modi donned a traditional Himachali cap

PM Narendra Modi donned a traditional Himachali cap. A huge crowd had gathered at the occasion to welcome the Prime Minister. 

 

PM Modi took blessings of Lord Raghunath

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PM Modi took blessings of Lord Raghunath

Prime Minister Modi took blessings by bowing his head in front of Lord Raghunath.

 

The festival traces its origin to 1637

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The festival traces its origin to 1637

The festival traces its origin to 1637 when Raja Jagat Singh ruled Kullu. He had invited all local deities in Kullu to perform a ritual in honour of Lord Raghunath during Dussehra. Since then, the annual assembly of deities from hundreds of village temples has become a tradition.

 

Kullu Dussehra festival concludes with 'Lanka Dahan'

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Kullu Dussehra festival concludes with 'Lanka Dahan'

The Kullu Dussehra festival concludes with the 'Lanka Dahan' ritual on the banks of the Beas river. All the assembled deities will participate, before they are carried back to their own temples in a beautifully decorated palanquin.