Bhubaneswar: With just four days remaining for Mahashivratri, preparations for the Jagara Yatra of Mahaprabhu Lingaraj have gathered momentum. In a significant step to ensure a smooth and orderly observance, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday held a high-level meeting with temple servitors and senior officials at Lok Seva Bhawan.
The Chief Minister discussed arrangements with the presidents of various nijogs associated with the Lingaraj Temple, including the Brahmana Nijog, Badu Nijog, Samarth Nijog and Pujapanda Nijog. The focus of the meeting was on crowd management, discipline among servitors and preventing any untoward incidents during the crucial Mahadeepa ritual.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Brahmana Nijog President Bhagirathi Mahasuar said the Chief Minister advised all stakeholders to work in coordination for an orderly Mahashivratri. He informed that it has been decided to raise the Mahadeepa atop the Lingaraj Temple at the fixed time of 10 pm on Shivaratri night.
Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, who was also present at the meeting, said several important decisions were taken to strengthen safety measures. He informed that the number of passes for entry during the Mahadeepa ritual will be reduced this year. While around 1,750 passes were issued last year, the administration has decided to limit the number to 1,000–1,200 passes this time.
To avoid a repeat of last year’s incidents during the Mahadeepa ritual, strict restrictions will be imposed on the presence of servitors atop the temple. Only servitors whose presence is absolutely necessary for the ritual will be allowed, while others will be deployed for queue and crowd management duties.
Reiterating the importance of discipline and coordination, the MLA said the Mahadeepa will be raised strictly at the scheduled time of 10 pm. “After that, it is as per the wish of Mahaprabhu. No matter what conspiracy anyone may attempt, the Lord will take His own decision,” he remarked.
The meeting concluded with an assurance that all arrangements are being fine-tuned to ensure the Jagara Yatra and Mahashivratri rituals are conducted smoothly and peacefully.
