Sacred spaces: Kullu police station gets divine inspection

Kullu witnessed an extraordinary and unexpected moment during the ongoing International Dasehra Festival when the revered deities of Bagan village, Ajaypal and Shela, arrived at the Kullu police station on Friday morning. The deities’’ procession, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of traditional dhol-nagadas, left locals and officials both surprised and intrigued. Initially, the unusual march towards the police station sparked confusion among onlookers. However, police personnel soon stepped out to receive the deities with respect. Ajaypal was ceremoniously seated at his customary spot near the station.

The mood shifted when the deity’s followers voiced their displeasure, citing that the sacred space had not been properly maintained and was cluttered with parked vehicles. This expression of divine dissatisfaction echoed the community’s broader concerns about preserving the sanctity of religious sites. In response, two senior police officers personally assured the deity’s attendants that the area would be cleaned and vehicles would no longer be allowed to park there. With this assurance, Ajaypal accepted the explanation and departed peacefully with his devotees.

The site near the police station holds traditional significance as the designated seat of deity Ajaypal. His visit was more than symbolic – it served as a reminder of the importance of respecting sacred spaces, especially during large-scale events like the Kullu Dasehra. This incident is part of a growing pattern. So far this year, three separate disputes involving different deities have surfaced, underscoring the deep interconnection between spiritual traditions and administrative responsibilities.

Devloos (deity attendants) have also raised concerns regarding the registration process for participating deities. The arrival of Ajaypal and Shela at a civic institution like the police station highlights the enduring influence of divine authority in Kullu’s local customs. Deities continue to play an active role in community affairs, often shaping civic behaviour during the grand Dasehra celebrations. Earlier in the week, another controversy unfolded when devloos confronted the Kullu Tehsildar over the alleged “impure” setup of temporary camps. They escorted the official to the site to witness the issue firsthand, ultimately prompting an apology.

In a related development, Patwaris (revenue officials) submitted a memorandum to the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) on Saturday, demanding action. Family members of the revenue official claimed that although he apologised for the oversight, he was manhandled by a mob, posing a serious threat to his safety. The Kullu Kardar Sangh condemned the incident, and an FIR has since been registered. Despite these tensions, the district administration continues to provide facilities for all deities attending the festival – whether they are officially recognised with honorariums (muafidar) or not (gair muafidar), reflecting the inclusive spirit of the celebration.