Traditional 90-minute procession circles Dhalpur as deities from Sainj Valley participate in centuries-old ritual
Kullu, October 25: The third Jaleb procession of Lord Nar Singh was held on Sunday on the fourth day of the International Kullu Dussehra Festival, drawing devotees and tourists to witness one of the region’s distinctive religious traditions.
The approximately 90-minute procession saw deities from the Sainj Valley, adorned with gold and silver ornaments, join Lord Nar Singh in a ceremonial circumambulation of Dhalpur. The ritual is believed to symbolically protect the festival grounds by establishing a sacred security cordon.
The procession offered a striking spectacle, with devotees and visitors, including those from outside Himachal Pradesh, immersing themselves in the spiritual atmosphere. Deities from the Gadsa Valley also participated in Sunday’s procession, including Devta Lakshmi Narayan.
The procession began at Raja Ki Chhanani, led by police personnel, followed by Lord Nar Singh’s ceremonial horse. Musicians accompanying the participating deities walked ahead of Lord Nar Singh’s palanquin, with the deities moving on either side. The procession passed through the hospital gate, the old SBI ground and the camps of various deities before returning to Raja Ki Chhanani, where it concluded.
Maheshwar Singh, chief Chharibardar of Lord Raghunath, also participated in the procession in a palanquin.
Different Deities Join the Procession Every Day
Danvendra Singh, kardar of Lord Raghunath, said the Jaleb procession held special significance during Kullu Dussehra. According to tradition, Lord Nar Singh circumambulates the area associated with the 18 Kardu Soha and symbolically establishes a protective boundary around the festival.He said the procession has been an integral part of the festival since ancient times, with deities from different areas participating on different days.
Tradition Dating Back to 1660
The International Kullu Dussehra Festival traces its origins to 1660, and its traditional rituals continue to be observed with devotion and enthusiasm. Thousands of people gather to witness Lord Nar Singh’s Jaleb procession, which reflects the region’s deep-rooted deity traditions and cultural heritage. Deities from different kothis take part in the procession on successive days, keeping the centuries-old custom alive.
Sunday’s third Jaleb procession, featuring deities from the Sainj Valley, once again highlighted the enduring religious and cultural significance of Kullu Dussehra.
