Security tightened, traffic plan in place for Mahashivratri at Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar

Elaborate preparations are underway to ensure the smooth and orderly conduct of the Jagar Yatra of Lord Lingaraj ahead of Mahashivratri in Bhubaneswar.

A high-level preparatory meeting was held on Thursday to streamline arrangements, focusing on devotees’ convenience, safety, parking and traffic management, as a heavy influx of devotees is expected.

Special plans have been drawn up to regulate the anticipated rush. Separate parking zones and designated traffic routes will be implemented to ease congestion around the temple area. To prevent misuse of entry passes, authorities have introduced QR-coded passes. Officials said a pass will be considered valid only after scanning and can be scanned only once. Police have warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found misusing passes.

Police Commissioner Devdatta Singh said, “With the coordination of the BMC authority and the Fire department, comprehensive security and traffic arrangements have been made for Mahashivratri.”

Adding to the festive fervour, renowned singer Nitin Mukesh, along with eight other artistes, is scheduled to visit Bhubaneswar on the occasion.

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Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, who attended the meeting, said, “Devotees will enter the temple and have their darshan within the prescribed limitations. I hope that with the blessings of the Lord, no untoward incident or mishap will occur.”

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Commissionerate Police, the Lingaraj Temple Trust, servitors and officials from concerned departments, underscoring coordinated efforts to ensure a peaceful celebration.