BMC issues strict SOPs for Khandagiri Jatra, warns of cancellation over obscenity; fine for illegal parking

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the upcoming Khandagiri Jatra, warning that any display of obscene content during the festival could lead to cancellation of the event.

The civic body has made it clear that No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for organising the Jatra will be issued only if organisers strictly adhere to guidelines related to tradition, heritage and cultural values. Preparations for the annual fair are currently underway, with officials closely monitoring arrangements to ensure safety, cleanliness and orderly conduct.

Key Guidelines and Regulations

The SOPs were finalised following a meeting with all Jatra committees at the BMC South-East Zone office. Clear instructions have been issued on maintaining decorum, preventing obscenity, ensuring cleanliness, proper parking management, barricading and overall crowd control. BMC officials said strict action would be taken against any violation of the rules, including uncleanliness, safety lapses or improper conduct.

Illegal parking in and around the fair area will attract a fine of Rs 1,200. This year, a total of 15 Jatra parties will perform across seven pandals. An independent BMC squad will be deployed to monitor compliance with the guidelines, and authorities have stated that action may also be initiated based on media reports, if required.

S. Rakesh Kumar Patra, Joint Deputy Commissioner (JDC), BMC South-East Zone, said that all organisers were clearly instructed that no obscene content would be tolerated during the Jatra. He added that compliance with all other directives, including those related to parking, cleanliness and barricades, would be mandatory for issuance of NOCs.

Artists and Organisational Rules

Banambar Hatua, Secretary of the Sanatan Seva Samiti, said that for the last 10 to 12 years, a strict decision has been in place to prohibit any form of obscenity in Jatra performances. He also stated that the Samiti’s artists would perform exclusively for their own party and would not appear for any other troupe.

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Arrangements are being made to provide chairs for spectators in all pandals, while ID cards will be mandatory for volunteers. The allotment of stalls for the Khandagiri Mela has commenced, with shops permitted to operate from January 25 to February 7. A maximum of 50 stalls can be allotted by the organising committee, and licence fees for all stalls will be collected by the BMC.

Raghu Mohanty, Chairperson of the Indira Cultural Organisation, said that separate and clearly marked parking areas would be designated for committee members. He added that strict action would be taken against any unauthorised vehicles found in reserved zones.

BMC officials reiterated that the guidelines aim to ensure that the Khandagiri Jatra is conducted in a safe, disciplined and culturally respectful manner, in keeping with the spirit of the traditional festival.