Bhubaneswar: The Capital City is abuzz with activities for Lord Lingaraj’s Rukuna Rath Yatra. The festival, which is part of the Ashokastami celebrations, will see Lord Lingaraj, accompanied by Goddess Durga and Lord Gobinda, embark on a journey to the Mausima Temple.
The festivities began with the Mangala Alati and Abakasha rituals at 5 am, followed by the Sahana Mela darshan at 5.30 am. The Chhamu Puskara, Maha Snana and Besha rituals took place at 6:30 am, 7 am and 8:00 am respectively.
The Rukuna Rath Yatra will commence at 3:30 pm, with the chariot procession starting from the Lingaraj Temple.
The Commissionerate Police has made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the festival.
Bhubaneswar DCP, Jagmohan Meena, and Traffic DCP, Tapan Mahanty, will oversee the security and traffic arrangements. Three additional DCPs, five ACPs, 12 Inspectors, 55 Sub-Inspectors, and 16 platoons of police force, including 85 Home Guards, have been deployed to ensure the safety and security of devotees.
Besides, the Commissionerate Police also imposed traffic regulations for the event.
As per the traffic regulations, no vehicles will be allowed on Rath Road from Mausimaa Chowk. They will be diverted either towards Museum Chowk or towards Vivekananda Marg. Additionally, vehicles will not be allowed on Rath Road from several lanes, including Barik Sahi Lane, Maharana Sahi Lane, Gosagareswar Chhak, Sital Sasthi Lane, Tinimundia Chhak, Harchandi Lane, Muna Medical Lane, and Punama Gate Lane. Furthermore, vehicles coming from Rath Khala will be diverted towards Bata Mahadev Temple.
