The week long Shivratri festival came to end on Friday with a colourful shobha yatra on the concluding day from Madho Rai temple to Paddal ground.
Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, Chief Guest of the function paid obeisance in Madho Rai temple and later participated in the shobha yatra wearing a colourful turban.
Hundreds of dancing disciples carrying deities on their shoulders and in palanquins were the attraction of the shobha yatra.
As an old tradition deities were brought to Chuahta bazaar in the morning where a large number of devotees came to seek blessings from them. Many of the deities and their disciples returned to their abodes on the concluding day of the festival.
Addressing a gathering the Governor said, “The fairs and festivals of Himachal Pradesh are distinctive in their own way and are the means for celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the State; rich colours of tradition witnessed during these festivals should be preserved for posterity as they affirm our identity as a great nation, “he added.
While extending greetings on the occasion the Governor said,” I am fortunate enough to obtain blessings of the local deities besides witnessing the splendor of the Shivratri Mahotsav and unique Dev tradition of Chhoti Kashi for the first time”.
The Governor was also honoured in the last cultural evening of the festival by Deputy Commissioner Apurv Devgan. Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur and several MLAs also were present on the occasion.