The historical week-long Dussehra festival in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district began on Friday amidst elaborate security arrangements, a district official said.
The internationally renowned festival is unique as it gets underway when Dussehra festivities culminate in the rest of the country and unlike other places, effigies of Ravan, Meghnad and Kumbhakaran are not burnt here.
Governor of the hill-state Acharya Devvrat inaugurated the International Loknritya Utsav Kullu Dussehra 2018 at Lal Chand Prarthi Kala Kendra, the official said.
The governor accompanied by his wife Darshana Devi also took part in the lord Raghunath Rath Yatra which began in the afternoon, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, the governor said, "The culture of Himachal Pradesh has a distinct identity. The festivals celebrated here round the year provide a glimpse of rich traditions and beliefs of the people."