A virtual meeting was convened on 27th September 2025 under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister, Mukesh Agnihotri, to review and finalize preparations for the world-renowned International Kullu Dussehra festival, scheduled from 2nd to 8th October 2025.
The meeting witnessed the virtual participation of Secretary, Language, Art & Culture (LAC) to the Government of Himachal Pradesh, Rakesh Kanwar (IAS), Director LAC, Reema Kashyap (IAS), and Joint Director LAC, Bhanu Gupta (HAS). The session was attended on behalf of Hon’ble MLA Kullu, Sunder Singh Thakur, Milk Federation Chairman Buddhi Singh Thakur, Deputy Commissioner Kullu, Torul S. Ravish (IAS), SP Kullu Dr. Kartikeyan Gokulchandran (IPS), ADM Kullu Ashwani Kumar (HAS), along with senior officers from various departments.
Extending his best wishes for the upcoming celebrations, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized the cultural and historical importance of Kullu Dussehra. He remarked that the festival is not merely a religious occasion, but a vibrant confluence of faith, tradition, culture, and community — representing the global identity of Devbhoomi Himachal.
He lauded the festival committee’s decision to curtail expenditure in light of recent natural calamities and to exclusively feature local Himachali artists and cultural troupes during the evening events. He assured the administration of full government support for the smooth and successful conduct of the festival.
Highlighting the importance of safety and public convenience, the Deputy Chief Minister directed the deployment of additional police forces and effective traffic management plans to handle the expected influx of tourists. He also stressed enhanced surveillance through CCTV cameras across festival venues to strengthen security.
Providing an update on essential services, he confirmed that water supply in Kullu town has been fully restored and instructed the installation of additional drinking water facilities at the festival grounds. Further directives included ensuring cleanliness, availability of adequate parking, and uninterrupted electricity supply throughout the city during the event.
Hon’ble MLA Kullu, Sunder Singh Thakur, also reiterated the conscious effort to reduce festival-related expenditure, considering the recent disasters faced by the state.
Deputy Commissioner Torul S. Ravish presented a detailed report on last year’s festival finances and outlined the schedule and arrangements for this year’s celebration. She assured that the district administration is fully prepared to host the International Kullu Dussehra 2025 successfully.
