Bhubaneswar: The capital city is all set to mark Vijaya Dashami with the traditional ‘Ravan Podi Utsav’, where effigies of the demon king Ravana will go up in flames at seven prominent venues across the Bhubaneswar Urban Police District (UPD).
According to the Twin City Commissionerate Police, the burning of Ravana’s effigies—a ritual symbolising the triumph of good over evil—will be held at Naharkanta (Pahal PS), Baramunda (Khandagiri PS), Koradakanta and Bankual (Badagada PS), Gopalpur (Info-Valley PS), KIITS Road (Infocity PS), and Football Ground (Kapilaprasad Airfield PS).
This year, Bhubaneswar is hosting 193 Durga Puja pandals, drawing huge footfall of devotees and pandal-hoppers. To ensure smooth celebrations and public safety, the Commissionerate Police has rolled out extensive security measures, including CCTV surveillance across major pandals.
For ground-level monitoring, the city police have deployed three DCPs, six Additional DCPs, 12 DSPs, 33 Inspectors, and 172 SIs/ASIs, supported by 38 platoons of police personnel and 20 platoons of Home Guards. Further bolstering the arrangements are one company of CAPF, along with teams from the Special Tactical Unit and the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad.
With elaborate rituals, vibrant pandals, and the dramatic finale of Ravan Podi, Bhubaneswar is geared up for a safe and spirited Dussehra.
