New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday participated in the International Kullu Dussehra Festival and witnessed the unique Rath Yatra of more than 300 Deities in poll-bound Himachal Pradesh. This is the first time ever that the Prime Minister of the country is participating in the Kullu Dussehra celebrations.
Kullu district administration has made full preparations for PM Modi's visit and Rath Yatra. Around 250 Bajantris welcomed PM Modi to the tunes of traditional musical instruments at Bhuntar Airport in the Kullu district.
This time the International Dussehra festival will be celebrated from October 5 to 11.
PM Modi participated in the Dussehra Rath Yatra during the International Dussehra celebrations in Kullu, and he also paid a visit to Bhagwan Shri Raghunath Ji's Rath.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi inaugurated the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bilaspur. Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, Union Minister Anurag Thakur and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda were also present during the occasion, reported news agency ANI.
He also laid foundation stone of multiple development projects in Bilaspur worth over Rs 3,650 crore.
While speaking at the occasion, the Prime Minister said the development projects inaugurated will "play an important role in achieving the vision of a developed India".
"The development projects inaugurated today on the occasion of Vijayadashami will play an important role in achieving the vision of a developed India by following the 'Panch Pran'. Today, Bilaspur has got the double gift of education & medical facilities," the PM said, as reported by ANI.
He also hailed BJP government's effort in taking development to the remotest part of the country in the last eight years of being in power at the Centre.
"In the last 8 years, we've worked on ensuring development benefits reach the remotest parts of the country. AIIMS Bilaspur will not only increase access to affordable healthcare in Himachal but is also eco-friendly and will be known as 'Green AIIMS' Said the PM to a large crowd gathered in Bilaspur, reported ANI.
Praising the people of the state for their valour, PM Modi said, "Himachal plays crucial role in 'rashtra raksha' and now with AIIMS at Bilaspur, it will also play pivotal role in 'jeevan raksha'."