MANDI: A decades-long dispute between two prominent deities of Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district, Shringa Rishi of Banjar subdivision and Balu Nag, has finally come to a resolution, just ahead of the famous International Kullu Dussehra Festival.
After nearly 15 years of being left off the invitation list due to their ongoing conflict, both deities have received formal invitations to attend the Dussehra festival this year.
For over 25 years, the two deities were embroiled in a fierce dispute over Lord Raghunath’s position during the Rath Yatra (chariot procession) at Kullu Dussehra. The conflict, which centres on which side Lord Raghunath should walk during the procession, had even reached the Supreme Court. As a result, the Dussehra Festival Committee stopped inviting both Shringa Rishi and Balu Nag for nearly 16 years.
Despite the absence of formal invitations, both deities continued to attend the festival in previous years, leading to heightened tensions and heavy police deployments to manage the situation.
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Invitation received, preparations underway
The dispute has been resolved as the International Dussehra Festival Committee has extended invitations to both deities. The ‘Devlu’ (devotees who accompany deities) have already begun preparations for their participation in the festival, which draws numerous deities from across the region.
With the resolution of the dispute, the International Kullu Dussehra, often referred to as the ‘Maha Kumbh of Gods and Goddesses’, is set to begin preparations in full swing. The Dussehra committee has sent out invitations to approximately 332 deities from the Kullu valley and beyond. This year’s celebration is expected to be even more vibrant as the long-standing tension between Shringa Rishi and Balu Nag has been put to rest.
Appeal to deities not to attend without invitation
In addition to settling the dispute, the Dussehra committee has also taken steps to manage the influx of deities. The committee has appealed that no deities should attend the festival without an official invitation. Over the years, the number of deities arriving without invitation has steadily increased, creating logistical challenges for the organisers. Last year alone, more than 30 deities attended without prior notice, complicating accommodation, security, and other arrangements.
