DGP Assigns Responsibilities for International Kullu Dussehra Festival

Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Tiwari on Monday appointed DIG (Central Range) Rahul Nath as the overall in-charge of the Kullu Dussehra festival to ensure the safety of visitors and participants. DIG Nath will directly oversee law and order, security, traffic, and protocol arrangements.

Kullu SP Kartikeyan Gokulchandran has been tasked with maintaining law and order, ensuring effective traffic management, and handling protocol duties during the festival. Similarly, Padam Chand, Commandant of the 3rd IRBN at Pandoh in Mandi—who earlier served as Kullu SP for two years—will supervise security and deployment at the venue and surrounding areas. Drawing on his prior experience with the festival, he will play a key role in planning and implementing security arrangements.

As per the DGP’s instructions, the Kullu SP and the IRBN Commandant will coordinate closely and work under the direct supervision of the DIG, Central Range, Mandi. DIG Nath will also keep the DGP updated by submitting daily reports on security, law and order, and other festival-related arrangements through the ADGP (Law and Order).

“Kullu Dussehra is one of the most significant festivals in the state, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage, with over 200 deities participating in the grand celebration. The festival has a major impact on the local economy, attracting thousands of tourists and providing a boost to local handicrafts and artisans. Its international recognition has made it a key tourist attraction, reflecting the cultural diversity of India,” the DGP said.

He added that Himachal Pradesh Police has put strict measures in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. “Given the scale of the event, strong security and traffic management arrangements are essential to maintain peace and order,” he noted.