Devotees in Kullu undertake 40-mile journey for rejuvenation in holy water

KULLU - A large number of devotees here on Saturday participated in an annual festival, carrying the idol of their local deity in a palanquin for over 40 miles and rejuvenated themselves in holy waters.

These devotees have a belief that the water at the confluence of rivers Beas and Parvati has healing powers. The water flows down the lush Himalayan slopes, which have an abundance of herbs.

On the 20th day of the Bhado month in the Hindu calendar the devotees carry the idol of the local deity from Larenkelo all the way to Bhunter.

Hundreds of devotees took a dip at the confluence of Beas-Parvaty rivers in the annual event that attracts people throughout the day.

“Today herbs from the mountains flow in the streams and rivers. It is very important to take bath on Bees Bhado day as body ailments get cured,” said Deepak Sharma, a devotee.

s musicians played on long pipes, accompanied by drum beats, the priests performed traditional rejuvenation rituals and sprayed waters from the holy confluence on the idol.

Later it was taken back to Larenkelo, which is almost 20 miles from Bhunter. By Prem Thakur (ANI)