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Kullu, July 8
Thousands of devotees accompanied the revered deity Shringa Rishi as the traditional Hamta pilgrimage commenced. A grand procession reached Dhalpur amid the rhythmic beats of drums and traditional musical instruments. Officials of the district administration welcomed the deity on arrival, while devotees gathered in large numbers, creating a deeply devotional atmosphere.
After reaching Kullu, the deity and accompanying devotees stayed overnight at the Lord Raghunath Temple. On Wednesday morning, the procession departed for Jagtipat in Naggar. It will later proceed to the Gayatri Temple at Jagatsukh before continuing towards Hamta.
The pilgrimage will culminate in the ceremonial meeting of Shringa Rishi and Jamdagni Rishi at Hamta. During the event, the deity’s attendants will perform traditional rituals and age-old customs in keeping with centuries-old religious practices. Shringa Rishi’s priest Jitendra Sharma said the pilgrimage is undertaken to preserve and continue ancient traditions. He said the deity last visited Hamta in 2002 and has since visited other sacred places. According to him, Shringa Rishi will once again meet Jamdagni Rishi during the current pilgrimage.
He said the deity undertakes an annual circumambulation within its own region, while a more extensive pilgrimage covering additional areas is organized after several years. He recalled that in 2017, Shringa Rishi met Jamdagni Rishi during a similar valley pilgrimage.
The priest added that Shringa Rishi will also have a ceremonial meeting with Lord Raghunath during the present journey before the procession leaves for Jagtipat. He said the primary objective of the pilgrimage is to facilitate the traditional meeting of deities and ensure the continuity of the region’s rich religious heritage.
