Kullu goldsmith families keep age-old temple ritual alive

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Sacred ornaments cleaned on Navami before Lord Raghunath’s chariot procession at Dhalpur ground

Kullu: Goldsmith families in Sultanpur, Kullu district, continued an age-old tradition of cleaning Lord Raghunath’s ornaments on Navami during Navratri, a day before the deity’s chariot procession at Dhalpur ground for the Dussehra celebrations.

The families visited the Raghunath Temple to clean gold and silver ornaments, silver utensils and other items used during the procession. They performed the ritual on an empty stomach and sought the deity’s blessings after completing the work.

Sanjeev Verma, a participant, said his ancestors had maintained the tradition for decades. Family members gathered at the temple every year on Navami to carry it forward.

Abhimanyu Verma said his ancestors had settled in the area decades ago and his family had been associated with the ritual since then. He said the work was performed selflessly, with family members continuing to fulfil the duty together.

Dinesh Kishore, priest of Lord Raghunath, said the ritual was observed every year on Navami. The goldsmith families were offered prasad after completing the cleaning.

The tradition was observed this year as well, with Lord Raghunath’s chariot procession scheduled to take place at Dhalpur ground on Wednesday.