Under the museum series ‘Exhibit of the Month’ of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, a traditional object is displayed in the appearance for a whole month. The exhibit for the month of April - “Rishi Rath” is on display in the indoor exhibition building – Veethi Sankul. The 'exhibit of the month' has been formally inaugurated by Prof Sarit Kumar Chaudhuri (Director, IGRMS). This 'exhibit of the month' has been compiled by Dr. RM Nayal (Assistant Keeper). This Rath palanquin is of Rishi God. It is collected from Kullu, Himachal Pradesh in the year 1996. Himachal Pradesh is known as the land of gods and goddesses and the deity culture is unique to the state.
The process for preparing it is quite elaborate. First of all, the wooden part is carved out by the carpenter. The masks and the silver or copper “Chhatras” of the chariot are made by the metal craftsmen. Finally, it is covered by the red or pink cloth and the two rods are inserted at the bottom of the Rath to carry it from one place to another.
The Kullu Valley has a tradition of celebrating Dusshera by the display of the chariots of various Gods and Goddesses. On this occasion, the chariots are decorated with the idols of Raghunath Ji, Sita ji and Hidimba. The procession of the chariots starts its journey with the order of Bhekhli Mata from the mountains. The idols of different Gods and Goddesses are brought with the help of the chariots to the Vyas river where they are given a bath and taken back.
These chariots are taken from one place to another with the help of a rope. Each chariot stays for six days at each place. More than hundred palanquins are brought to Kullu from the Kullu and Mandi district of Himanchal Pradesh . One of the palanquins is of Rishi God. On the first day, the Goddess Hidimba, is brought to Kullu from Manali. She is considered as the Goddess of the kingdom. All the members of the kingdom, take her blessings.

Date: April 18, 2016