Tension during Durga Puja immersion over DJ Ban in Jagatsinghpur; situation brought to normalcy

Tension ran high at Jagatsinghpur during the Durga Puja immersion ceremony last night after police strictly enforced a ban on DJs beyond 10 pm. The restriction, imposed as part of law-and-order measures, led to strong resistance from local Puja Committees and devotees.

Sources reported that as the immersion processions reached Jagatsinghpur Court Square, police ordered the stoppage of music systems, sparking an immediate standoff. Members of several Puja Committees staged a sit-in protest at the busy junction, demanding that music be allowed until the end of the procession.

Road Blockade And Traffic Chaos

Agitated locals extended their protest by blocking the Machhagaon–Jagatsinghpur road. The blockade caused major disruption, leaving immersion cars and other vehicles stranded for long hours on the road.

Devotees accompanying the idols also remained stuck, with processions unable to move forward without music. Sources said traffic was backed up for several kilometres, and tempers flared as the stalemate dragged on.

The prolonged disruption prompted repeated negotiations between police officers and the protesting groups.

Finally, after continued insistence from locals, the police allowed music to resume for a short period, enabling the processions to continue towards immersion sites. After this concession, the blockade was lifted, which brought the situation to normalcy. 

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STA Ban On DJ Vehicles Adds To Tensions

The tension in Jagatsinghpur also coincided with a broader crackdown on DJ and OJ vehicles in Odisha. The State Transport Authority (STA) had recently issued directives banning the use of unauthorised structural modifications, particularly vehicles converted into DJ carriers.

The circular had further called for intensified enforcement during festivals and social events, precisely the period when DJ vehicles are in highest demand.