Roads choked, market packed: Diwali firecracker rush triggers major traffic jam in Jatani

As Diwali, the festival of lights, draws near, massive traffic congestion gripped Jatani on Saturday, with thousands flocking to roadside stalls to buy firecrackers. Markets witnessed an unusually large footfall as families reached shops to buy firecrackers ahead of Diwali.

The demand for ‘green crackers’ saw a rise, with many households spending thousands on the lower-pollution variants. In many places, sparklers and family packs were also sold more as people went crazy with just one day to go for the festival of lights.

However, the rush was so massive that it led to severe traffic snarls across major routes, particularly from Talakhenta to Chandhapur. A long line of vehicles was seen stranded for hours as people stopped their cars and bikes to shop for firecrackers.

Also Read: Odisha declares two-day school holidays for Diwali

The situation worsened due to the unregulated setup of cracker stalls on both sides of the road, leaving little room for smooth vehicle movement. Locals alleged the lack of proper planning and traffic control measures turned routine commutes into a nightmare.

“There’s no space to walk, let alone drive. It’s absolute chaos,” said a resident.

The heavy crowd and roadside vendors completely blocked the narrow roads, with people forced to wait in traffic for hours. Many expressed anger and frustration, demanding that authorities step in to manage the crowd and clear the roads.