Bhubaneswar: While Uttar Pradesh has announced an additional public holiday for Shri Ram Navami, Odisha has made elaborate arrangement for smooth celebration of the festival across the state on Friday.
Large gatherings are expected at major temples across cities such as Bhubaneswar, Puri and Cuttack on the occasion of Ram Navami on March 27, which has been declared a holiday.
Security arrangements have been strengthened and deployment of police personnel stepped up at major shrines across Odisha. Authorities have issued guidelines to ensure proper crowd control, maintain law and order, and prevent any untoward incidents during the celebrations.
While temples are being decorated and preparations in full swing, devotees are gearing up for special prayers, processions and religious programmes, as administrations focus on ensuring safe and orderly observance of the festival.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had chaired a high-level meeting ahead of the festival and issued firm instructions to the police administration to ensure peace and law and order throughout the state.
Meanwhile, the Commissionerate Police on Thursday issued a detailed traffic advisory ahead of Ram Navami celebrations in Cuttack, warning of extensive restrictions and diversions across key parts of the city due to a large religious procession.
The padayatra, organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, will commence from Maruti Mandap at Choudhury Bazaar under Purighat police limits and pass through
several prominent localities including Dagarpada, Kafla Bazaar, Nayasarak, Chandini Chowk, Shelter Chhak, Kanika Chhak, Chandi Chhak, Buxi Bazaar, Barapathar, Tinikonia Bagicha and Dargha Bazar before returning to the starting point.
Police said a large turnout is expected for the religious event, prompting traffic regulations from 2 pm to 10 pm to ensure public safety and smooth conduct of the procession.
Key Traffic Restrictions
– Vehicular movement will be prohibited along and towards the procession route at different stages, particularly around Choudhury Bazaar, Nayasadak, Balu Bazaar, Chandini Chowk, Shelter Chhak, Kanika Chhak and Buxi Bazaar.
– Major connecting roads including Jail Road, Firingi Bazaar, Ganesh Ghat, Mission Road, Pension Lane and Barapathar stretches will face partial or complete restrictions depending on the procession’s movement.
– Vehicles will not be allowed to move alongside the Padayatra at any point of time along its designated route.
Roads to Remain Closed
Authorities have declared complete closure of several key stretches on Friday, including:
– Bajrakabati Chhak to Balu Bazaar
– Dolamundai Chhak to High Court
– Cambridge School to Dagarpada
– OPA Office Chhak to Shelter Chhak
– Barapathara “Y” Junction to Chandi Chhak
– GPO Chhak to Buxi Bazaar
– Pattapola Chhak to Barapathara
– Tinikonia Chhak to Hatipokhari
– Gangamandira Chhak to G.S. Park
The Commissionerate urged people to plan their travel in advance, avoid the affected routes during the specified hours, and follow directions of traffic personnel deployed on the ground.
Emergency vehicles, including police, fire and ambulance services, will remain exempted from the restrictions.
The police also appealed to the public to cooperate with authorities for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the Padayatra.