Dussehra 2024: No DJ, crackers bursting during idol immersion procession; Commissionerate Police issues guidelines

With the festive fervour gathering momentum and Dussehra getting closer, the Twin City Commisionerate Police has issued the guidelines after a peace meeting held on Saturday.

To keep a tab on unwanted clashes and disturbances to the common public, the Twin City Commissionerate Police on Saturday announced a complete ban on DJs and bursting of crackers during immersion procession in the upcoming Durga Puja.

Besides, the Commissionerate Police has limited the use of sound boxes. Puja committees cannot use more than 6 sound boxes with the sound system going off after 10 pm during the Puja days.

In its guidelines, the Commissionerate Police appealed to all the puja committees to ensure peace and harmony during the celebrations. The police administration insisted that the Puja immersion celebrations could be on only till 10 pm unless extended to 12 pm after the orders of the Odisha government. Furthermore, the police administration announced zero tolerance for extortion or ‘chanda’ collections during Dussehra this year.

Speaking to media persons, Additional DCP Anil Mishra informed, “This year, we have restricted the use of sound boxes to 6. No DJ and firecrackers are allowed. The devotees are requested to keep their procession short. An artificial pond will be constructed where the ‘visarjan’ of all the idols will be done.” 

“As of now, we have decided to continue the celebrations till 10 pm. However, if the Odisha government gives permission then, it can go until 12 pm. There will be zero tolerance for ‘extortion’ or ‘chanda collection. Very soon, we will release a toll-free number for people to complain about extortion in the name of puja. The name of the complainants will be kept secret,” he said.

However, devotees can make donations voluntarily, he further added.