Heightened policing and route curbs ahead of Ravan Podi and Bhasani immersion
Bhubaneswar city authorities have announced elaborate security arrangements and traffic restrictions for Ravan Podi and Durga Puja immersion ceremonies scheduled on Thursday, officials said. This year the effigy-burning will be observed at nine locations across the capital, and organisers have been given specific instructions on crowd management, noise and the type of firecrackers allowed.
City Police have directed event organisers to ensure spectators remain at least 100 metre away from spots where effigies will be burnt. Only organic firecrackers have been permitted for use during celebrations. Use of DJ systems has been prohibited; organisers may employ traditional instruments and bands and use speakers for music.
"A total of 48 platoons of police force and about 100 officers of different ranks will be deployed to maintain law and order during the immersion ceremony," said Bhubaneswar DCP Saravana Vivek M.
To facilitate idol immersion into Kuakhai and Daya rivers, temporary ponds have been created at multiple locations. The immersion procession — locally referred to as the Bhasani Yatra — will be carried out in groups organised by four bodies: Bhubaneswar Bhasani Utsav Samiti (Saheed Nagar), Rajdhani Mandir Suraksha Bhasani Samiti (Nayapalli), Uttar Bhubaneswar Bhasani Committee (Chandrasekharpur) and Old Town Bhasani Samiti.
Traffic diversions, timing and vehicle restrictions
Authorities have imposed timed restrictions to ensure smooth movement and minimise inconvenience. Vehicular movement on specified routes will be curtailed from 2 pm to 1 am. During the immersion procession:
- No vehicles will be allowed on Janpath Road.
- Traffic may proceed on Sachivalaya Marg and adjoining roads.
- Vehicles from CRP Square to Cuttack will be diverted towards Jayadev Vihar via Ekamra Park Road.
- Vehicles approaching Jayadev Vihar from Nandankanan can use connecting roads at KIIT Square or Kalarahanga.
- Heavy vehicles and buses entering Bhubaneswar from Khurda have been restricted from using service roads and will be required to travel via the flyovers.
| Measure | Details |
|---|---|
| Ravan Podi sites | 9 locations in the city |
| Police deployment | 48 platoons and about 100 officers |
| Vehicle restrictions | From 2 pm to 1 am; Janpath closed during procession |
Police have also specified that procession groups should maintain orderly movement and avoid obstructing emergency routes. The prohibition on DJs aims to limit noise and maintain public order, while permitting traditional instruments preserves cultural observance.
Public guidance and safety precautions
Residents and visitors are advised to plan travel in advance, expect diversions on primary routes and avoid Janpath during procession hours. Those attending Ravan Podi events should follow organiser instructions and maintain the mandated distance from effigies to reduce risk from flames and flying embers. Motorists, particularly heavy vehicle drivers approaching the city from Khurda, should follow the prescribed flyover-only route to avoid being diverted at short notice.
Organisers and community committees must ensure adequate fire safety measures at effigy-burning sites and temporary immersion ponds. The city police presence is intended to maintain law and order as well as to facilitate emergency response where necessary.
Authorities will monitor the situation throughout the evening and may announce additional localized advisories if required. Citizens are urged to follow official instructions and co-operate with police and event marshals to ensure a safe and peaceful observance of the festivities.
Reporting from Bhubaneswar.
