Security has been strengthened ahead of the International Kullu Dussehra Festival, which will be held in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu from Vijay Dashmi on October 2, officials said on Saturday.
Nearly 4–5 lakh people visit the seven-day festival at Dhalpur ground in Kullu town. The festival has a major impact on the local economy, attracting visitors and promoting local handicrafts and artisans. Over 200 deities participate in the grand festivities. The festival has been accorded the status of an international event.
To ensure security and maintain law and order, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Central Range, Rahul Nath is appointed as the overall in-charge of festival arrangements.
Nath will directly supervise all aspects of law and order, security, traffic, and protocol duties, said Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Tewari in a statement issued on Saturday.
Superintendent of Police Karthikeyan Gokulachandran will specifically handle law and order, traffic management, and protocol duties during the festival.
Meanwhile, Commandant of the 3rd Indian Reserve Battalion, Panoh in Mandi, Padam Chand, will oversee security and deployment at the Mela venue and nearby areas, the statement added.
Having served as SP Kullu for two years, Padam Chand is well-acquainted with the security dynamics of the Dussehra festival and will use his experience to plan and execute arrangements effectively.
The festival’s history goes back to the 17th century, when local King Jagat Singh placed an idol of Raghunath on his throne as an act of penance. Following this, God Raghunath was declared the ruling deity of the valley.
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