Faith, culture and safety at core of Kullu Dasehra preparations

A high-level virtual meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Saturday reviewed preparations for the International Kullu Dasehra Festival, to be held from October 2 to 8. The session was joined by Reema Kashyap, Director of the Language and Culture Department, festival committee chairman and Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur, along with senior district officials.

Extending greetings to the people of Himachal Pradesh, Agnihotri underlined that the Kullu Dasehra is not merely a religious fair but a vibrant fusion of faith, heritage and community spirit that projects the state’s identity before the world. He appreciated the committee’s decision to reduce expenditure this year in solidarity with calamity-affected citizens, while keeping evening cultural programmes dedicated exclusively to local artistes and groups.

The Deputy CM assured full government backing and directed the administration to give top priority to public safety. Orders were issued for the deployment of additional police personnel, streamlined traffic management and installation of CCTV cameras at the festival ground and key roads. He further asked the district authorities to maintain hygiene, create adequate parking spaces and guarantee uninterrupted power supply.

On transport arrangements, Agnihotri announced that Volvo bus services to Kullu and Manali, halted after road damages, would resume once repairs are finished. Special festival buses will also be operated to ease public movement. Confirming restoration of water supply in Kullu town, he directed that additional taps be set up at the fairground to meet the heightened demand.

Chairman Sunder Singh Thakur said this year’s budget has been deliberately curtailed to divert funds towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. He said steps would also be taken to monitor pickpockets and regulate the presence of beggars during the festivities.

Kullu DC Torul S. Raveesh presented last year’s income-expenditure report and detailed the program schedule for the current edition, assuring that all preparations are in place for the smooth conduct of the festival. With renewed focus on cultural authenticity, financial prudence, and public safety, the 2025 edition of the International Kullu Dasehra aims to be a celebration of both tradition and resilience.