Thousands participate in holy bath at Dal Lake on Radha Ashtami; Cultural festivities inaugurated
The holy festival of Radha Ashtami saw thousands of devotees, including a large number of women, gather at Dal Lake in Dharamshala from as early as 4 AM to take part in the sacred ritual of the holy bath. The lake remained abuzz with activity throughout the day as pilgrims performed the ritual and participated in community feasts. As per tradition, the Taxi Operator Union organized a feast for devotees from 8 AM to 4 PM.
Arvind Sharma
Sep 11, 2024 10:27
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Dharamshala, September 11, 2024: The holy festival of Radha Ashtami saw thousands of devotees, including a large number of women, gather at Dal Lake in Dharamshala from as early as 4 AM to take part in the sacred ritual of the holy bath. The lake remained abuzz with activity throughout the day as pilgrims performed the ritual and participated in community feasts. As per tradition, the Taxi Operator Union organized a feast for devotees from 8 AM to 4 PM.
Bathing in Dal Lake on Radha Ashtami is considered especially auspicious in Himachal Pradesh, and it is believed to offer the same spiritual benefits as the holy bath in Mani Mahesh Sarovar. This serves as an alternative for those unable to undertake the challenging journey to Mani Mahesh.
Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania inaugurated the cultural program on the occasion and emphasized the significance of Dal Lake and the Durveshwar Temple as symbols of deep faith. He announced that a comprehensive plan will be developed to promote pilgrimage and tourism activities in the area, ensuring a greater influx of visitors. To support this, a Dal Lake Development Committee will be established to oversee the lake's beautification.
Pathania also highlighted plans for promoting eco-tourism in the region. He mentioned that the Forest Department and Rural Development Department have been directed to take necessary actions. "Special attention is being given to improve transport facilities in Dal Lake, Naddi, and McLeodganj, ensuring tourists face no inconvenience," he added.
Further infrastructure improvements were announced, including the allocation of ₹357 lakh for the Barnet to Ghera road, ₹185 lakh for road construction from Naddi to Guna Mata Temple, and an estimated ₹75 lakh for the Naddi to Sunset Point road. Pathania also shared updates on the proposed Dhauladhar Expressway from McLeodganj to Dalhousie, which aims to boost tourism in the region.
In a colorful addition to the event, Tibetan children performed Rajasthani and Pahari folk dances during the cultural program, receiving great applause from the audience. This was the first time such a program was organized during the holy bath on Radha Ashtami at Dal Lake.
Several dignitaries, including Temple Trust Chairman Sanjeev Jaswal, SDM Sanjeev Bhot, District Language Officer Amit Guleri, and Tehsildar Giriraj, were present at the event, making it a day of religious fervor and cultural celebration.
