CM Sukhu joins Dussehra at Jakhu Temple, burns Ravana effigy
Synopsis
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu participated in Dussehra at the historic Jakhu Temple in Shimla on 20 October 2026, overseeing effigy-burning rituals and invoking Lord Rama's ideals of duty and public welfare for all state residents.
Key Takeaways
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu attended Dussehra celebrations at Jakhu Temple, Shimla on 20 October 2026 .
Effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhkarna were ceremonially burned at the event.
The Jakhu Temple atop Jakhu Hill is one of Himachal Pradesh's most prominent Hanuman shrines and a major Dussehra venue.
CM Sukhu called on citizens to embody Lord Rama's values of dignity, duty, and public welfare as the festival's true meaning.
The Chief Minister offered prayers for the happiness, peace, and prosperity of all Himachal Pradesh residents.
On the auspicious occasion of Dussehra, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu joined devotees at the celebrated Jakhu Temple in Shimla to witness the burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhkarna, marking the festival's defining moment of good over evil.
Posting from the event on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, CM Sukhu described the atmosphere as charged with devotion — 'पूरा वातावरण भक्तिमय है' ('the entire atmosphere is filled with devotion') — as large numbers of faithful gathered at the ancient hilltop shrine.
Jakhu Hill's ancient stage for a timeless ritual
Perched atop Jakhu Hill in Shimla, the Jakhu Temple — dedicated to Lord Hanuman and among the oldest in Himachal Pradesh — offers one of the state capital's most storied settings for Dussehra observances. The effigy-burning tradition here draws pilgrims and residents from across the hill state every year, turning the hilltop into a confluence of faith and festivity.
CM Sukhu invoked the values Lord Rama embodies — 'मर्यादा, कर्तव्य और लोककल्याण के प्रति समर्पण' ('dedication to dignity, duty, and public welfare') — and called on citizens to internalise those ideals in service of society and the state. 'This,' he said, 'is the true meaning of the festival.'
A message of welfare woven into the celebration
Beyond the spectacle of the burning effigies, the Chief Minister used the occasion to offer prayers for the happiness, peace, and prosperity of all residents of Himachal Pradesh. It is a sentiment consistent with the broader pattern of state leaders anchoring public festival appearances in a message of collective well-being.
Across India, elected officials routinely join Dussehra gatherings to connect with communities and reinforce cultural continuity — but the Jakhu setting lends Sukhu's participation a particular local resonance, given the temple's deep roots in Shimla's identity.
With Kullu Dussehra — Himachal Pradesh's internationally famed week-long celebration — also on the calendar around this period, the festival season in the hill state is far from over. The Chief Minister's prayers at Jakhu set a tone of unity and service as the state moves deeper into its festive calendar.
Point of View
Being seen at a prominent shrine on one of Hinduism's most resonant occasions carries soft political weight. The choice of Jakhu, specifically, signals an alignment with Shimla's local spiritual life rather than a generic platform. With Kullu Dussehra — Himachal's most globally recognised festival — running concurrently, the Chief Minister's messaging around Ram's ideals of duty and public welfare also serves as a gentle statement of governance intent heading into the rest of the festive season.
NationPress
20 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did CM Sukhu celebrate Dussehra 2026?
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu celebrated Dussehra 2026 at the Jakhu Temple atop Jakhu Hill in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, where effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhkarna were burned.
What is Jakhu Temple known for?
Jakhu Temple is an ancient Hanuman temple situated on Jakhu Hill in Shimla. It is one of the oldest and most revered shrines in Himachal Pradesh and a prominent venue for Dussehra celebrations in the state capital.
What message did CM Sukhu give on Dussehra 2026?
CM Sukhu invoked Lord Rama's ideals of dignity, duty, and dedication to public welfare, urging citizens to internalise those values in service of society and Himachal Pradesh. He also offered prayers for the happiness, peace, and prosperity of all state residents.
What is the significance of Dussehra in Himachal Pradesh?
Dussehra in Himachal Pradesh marks Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and is observed with effigy burnings across the state. Himachal is also home to the internationally renowned Kullu Dussehra, a week-long celebration that typically falls around the same period.
Who is Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu?
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and a leader of the Indian National Congress. He assumed office in 2022.
