HP Governor inaugurates International Kullu Dussehra; joins Rath Yatra, calls for drug-free Himachal
Babushahi Bureau
Kullu, 2 October 2025:
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla inaugurated the week-long International Kullu Dussehra at Rath Maidan and joined the traditional Rath Yatra of Lord Raghunath, with Janaki Shukla in attendance.
Addressing the media, the Governor said that while Dussehra is celebrated in varied ways worldwide, in Himachal devotees pull the chariot of Lord Raghunath, preserving tradition and strengthening cultural values, and termed the festival a symbol of faith, unity, and cultural heritage.
Shukla said the distinct identity of Himachal lies in its Jenzi pulling the chariot of Lord Raghunath, carrying forward culture and serving as preservers of heritage.
Praying for a drug-free Himachal, the Governor urged collective societal action against narcotics, stressing that there is no place for drugs in Devbhoomi and calling for a safe, healthy environment for future generations.
Referring to recent natural disasters, he noted that despite significant losses, the courage and determination of people restored normalcy, and appealed against construction near rivers and streams while urging active participation in environmental conservation.
Later, the Governor inaugurated exhibitions by government departments, boards, corporations, and NGOs, visited stalls, and lauded exhibits, reiterating Himachal’s pristine beauty and the shared responsibility to keep surroundings clean and protect natural resources.
“Let this festival strengthen bonds of unity, bring prosperity to the state, and inspire work towards a brighter, more peaceful future,” he said, as more than 300 deities from across Kullu district joined this year’s celebrations.
Earlier, the Governor received a grand welcome on arrival at Bhuntar Airport, with MLAs Sunder Singh Thakur, Surender Shourie, Bhuvaneshwar Gaur, Vidya Negi (Chairperson, Himachal Pradesh State Commission for Women), C.P. Verma (Secretary to the Governor), Deputy Commissioner Torul S. Raveesh, Superintendent of Police Karthikeyan Gokulachandran, and other dignitaries present.