SAYS LORD SHRI RAM’S LIFE INSPIRES SOCIETY TO UPHOLD TRUTH, DUTY, JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS, URGES PEOPLE TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS PM’S VISION OF VIKSIT BHARAT@2047
Face2News/Kullu (HP)
Governor Kavinder Gupta today formally inaugurated the week-long International Kullu Dussehra Festival at the historic Dhalpur Ground in Kullu, marking the beginning of one of the State’s most renowned cultural and religious celebrations.
The festivities commenced with the traditional Rath Yatra of Lord Raghunath Ji, with more than 347 local deities from different parts of the Kullu Valley participating in the historic congregation. Lady Governor Smt. Bindu Gupta was also present on the occasion.
Extending his greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion, the Governor said that Kullu Dussehra was not merely a religious festival but a living expression of Himachal Pradesh’s rich Dev Sanskriti, folk traditions, collective faith and social harmony.
Governor Kavinder Gupta said that the unique confluence of Dev and Lok Sanskriti makes Kullu Dussehra distinctive and an important symbol of Himachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage. Emphasising the importance of preserving traditions, the Governor said they provide strength and guidance to future generations. Referring to the message of Vijayadashami, he said the life of Lord Shri Ram inspires society to uphold truth, duty, justice and righteousness.
The Governor urged people to unite against social evils, particularly drug abuse, violence and corruption, and called upon citizens to uphold national unity, integrity and social harmony under the spirit of ‘Nation First’.
Highlighting the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, Sh. Gupta urged citizens, especially youth, to acquire new skills, embrace technology and innovation, protect the environment and remain connected with their cultural roots. He also stressed the need to balance development with environmental conservation, stating that Himachal Pradesh’s mountains, forests, rivers and biodiversity were invaluable natural assets.
The Governor said the International Kullu Dussehra Festival provides a significant platform for showcasing the State’s cultural heritage globally while promoting tourism, local handicrafts, traditional products, employment and entrepreneurship. He emphasised that the festival’s traditional character and authenticity must be preserved while ensuring its economic benefits reach local communities.
Later, the Governor inaugurated exhibitions organised by various government departments, boards, corporations and non-governmental organisations and visited their stalls.
He prayed to Lord Raghunath Ji for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people of Himachal Pradesh and the nation.
Earlier, the Governor was given a grand welcome on his arrival at Kullu.
Former Judge of Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Karol, Former Member of Parliament and Himachal Congress In-charge Rajni Patil, Vinay Kumar, MLA and State Congress President, MLA’s Sunder Singh Thakur, Bhuvneshwar Gaur, Lokinder Kumar and Surinder Shouree, Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Sharma, Superintendent of Police Abhishek S. and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
