Major religious discourse at GLADA Ground draws thousands; traffic plan active
Ludhiana — Preparations were completed for the five-day Shri Hanumant Katha led by Bageshwar Dham Sarkar chief Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, which began on September 26 and will continue until September 30 at the GLADA Ground in Sector 39, Chandigarh Road, opposite Vardhman Mills. The discourse is scheduled daily from 3 pm to 7 pm, and organisers expect thousands of devotees to attend each session.
Organisers have erected a large tent at the venue and completed most of the event arrangements. Along with narration of the Hanumant Katha, Pandit Dhirendra Shastri is expected to interact with devotees and address spiritual concerns during the five-day programme.
Pandit Shastri could not reach Ludhiana on Friday evening as originally scheduled after a flight from New Delhi to Halwara was cancelled because of adverse weather. According to the earlier programme, he was to arrive on Friday and meet a select group of devotees, but he is now expected to land at Chandigarh Airport on an alternative flight, stay overnight there and travel to Ludhiana on Saturday.
Traffic diversions, parking and safety measures
In view of the anticipated large gatherings, the Ludhiana Traffic Police has issued a special traffic management plan in force from September 26 to 30. Several approach roads around the GLADA Ground will be diverted to ensure smooth vehicle movement and public safety during the event.
- Major diversion points: Samrala Chowk, Transport Nagar Cut, Hira Nagar, Jamalpur Lights and Kohara Chowk.
- Route for vehicles from Samrala Chowk towards Sahnewal: diverted via Transport Nagar Cut, Hira Nagar, Oswal Chowk, Sherpur Chowk and Giaspura Chowk.
- Separate diversion routes designated for vehicles from Kohara Chowk towards Sahnewal.
- Light vehicles heading towards Vardhman Chowk to follow Police Colony Chowk → Veer Palace Chowk → Mundian Khurd Chowk before reaching Kohara Chowk.
- Parking areas provided near GLADA Ground, Mohini Resort, Everest School and Shri Ram Darbar, with a reserved VIP parking area adjacent to Shri Ram Darbar.
"Traffic police have appealed to residents and visitors to follow the designated route plan and avoid unne"
The truncated appeal in the event brief underscores the traffic department's request that all motorists follow the prescribed diversion routes and make use of the designated parking sites to prevent congestion near the venue. Enforcement personnel and signage will be deployed at major junctions to direct traffic and assist commuters.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Shri Hanumant Katha by Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri |
| Dates | September 26–30 |
| Timings | Daily, 3 pm–7 pm |
| Venue | GLADA Ground, Sector 39, Chandigarh Road (opposite Vardhman Mills) |
| Designated parking | GLADA Ground, Mohini Resort, Everest School, Shri Ram Darbar (VIP near Shri Ram Darbar) |
Local residents and regular commuters along Chandigarh Road, Sahnewal and adjoining areas are likely to experience altered traffic patterns throughout the five-day period. Businesses around the venue may see increased footfall, while public transport routes could be temporarily altered to accommodate the diversions and parking arrangements.
The event's timing in late September coincides with the harvest period for several Rabi crops in the region; however, there is no report in the event brief of any direct impact on agricultural operations. Still, rural commuters travelling to Ludhiana markets (mandis) or to city services are advised to plan journeys keeping the traffic management plan in mind.
Authorities have not announced additional specific security measures beyond the traffic plan in the event summary. Devotees and visitors are expected to cooperate with marshals and traffic personnel to ensure orderly entry, parking and exit from the venue during the programme.
Further updates on any changes to the schedule or additional arrangements will be communicated by organisers and the traffic police as required.
