HP CM Sukhu offers devotional tribute to Lord Raghunath Ji
Synopsis
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh offered a devotional salutation to Lord Raghunath Ji on 21 October 2026, praying that the deity's blessings remain with all — invoking a figure central to Kullu's identity and the annual Dussehra festival.
Key Takeaways
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu posted a devotional message bowing at the feet of Lord Raghunath Ji on 21 October 2026 .
He prayed that 'the Lord's blessings remain upon all, forever.' Raghunath Ji is the presiding deity of Kullu and central to the annual Kullu Dussehra festival.
Sukhu has served as Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh since December 2022 under the Congress government.
The message follows a broader pattern of HP chief ministers publicly engaging with the state's temple traditions.
A quiet, reverent bow from the highest office in Himachal Pradesh — Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has offered a devotional salutation to Lord Raghunath Ji, praying that the deity's blessings remain with all, always.
Posting through the Chief Minister's Office of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, CM Sukhu wrote in Hindi: 'भगवान श्री रघुनाथ जी के श्रीचरणों में नमन। मेरी कामना है कि भगवान का आशीर्वाद सभी पर सदैव बना रहे।' — 'I bow at the sacred feet of Lord Shri Raghunath Ji. It is my wish that the Lord's blessings remain upon all, forever.'
Raghunath Ji — Kullu's presiding deity
For Himachal Pradesh, Raghunath Ji is not merely a religious figure. The form of Lord Rama worshipped as Raghunath Ji is the presiding deity of Kullu, and the Raghunath Temple in Kullu sits at the very heart of the celebrated annual Kullu Dussehra festival — one of the largest and most culturally significant gatherings in the hill state. When a Chief Minister invokes Raghunath Ji by name, it carries unmistakable resonance across the valley.
CM Sukhu, a Congress leader who assumed office in December 2022 after his party's state assembly victory, has maintained a visible cultural connect with Himachal Pradesh's deep temple traditions — a practice consistent with successive state governments regardless of political affiliation. Chief ministers across India routinely post devotional messages on social media to reflect alignment with regional faith traditions, and in a state where local deities hold formal roles in governance and festival protocol, such expressions carry particular weight.
The message carries no policy announcement or event-specific context, but its timing — mid-October, when the festive calendar in the hills reaches a crescendo — speaks for itself.
Point of View
Particularly during the festive October calendar anchored by Kullu Dussehra. For a Congress government navigating a state with a powerful BJP opposition and deeply rooted temple culture, such gestures reinforce a non-partisan devotional identity. The specific choice of Raghunath Ji — Kullu's presiding deity — signals an awareness of regional faith geography that goes beyond generic religiosity. It is soft cultural diplomacy, directed inward at the state's own traditions.
NationPress
21 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Lord Raghunath Ji in Himachal Pradesh?
Raghunath Ji is a form of Lord Rama worshipped as the presiding deity of Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh. The Raghunath Temple in Kullu is the focal point of the famous annual Kullu Dussehra festival.
What did CM Sukhu say about Raghunath Ji?
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu bowed at the feet of Lord Raghunath Ji and expressed his wish that the deity's blessings remain upon all people, always.
Who is Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu?
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is a Congress leader who has served as the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh since December 2022, following his party's victory in the state assembly elections.
What is the significance of Kullu Dussehra?
Kullu Dussehra is one of Himachal Pradesh's largest cultural and religious festivals, celebrated annually in Kullu with Lord Raghunath Ji as the presiding deity. It draws devotees and visitors from across the country.
Why do Himachal Pradesh chief ministers post messages about local deities?
HP chief ministers across political parties routinely post devotional messages involving local deities to reflect the state's deep temple traditions and maintain cultural connect with residents, particularly around major festivals.
