Bhubaneswar: Preparations for Mahaprabhu Shri Shri Lingaraj Mahaprabhu’s Maha Shivratri celebrations have reached their final stage, with the administration and Commissionerate Police putting in place elaborate arrangements to ensure the festival is conducted peacefully and smoothly.
As part of the preparations, the Commissionerate Police convened a high-level preparatory meeting on Thursday. The meeting was attended by officials from the district administration, Commissionerate Police, Lingaraj Temple Trust, sevayats (temple servitors), and representatives of various departments. Detailed discussions were held regarding all aspects of the Jagara night celebrations at the Lingaraj Temple, one of Odisha’s most prominent Shaiva pilgrimage centres.
Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner S. Devadatta Singh and Bhubaneswar DCP Jagamohan Meena were present at the meeting. Local leaders including Sura Routray, Babu Singh, Samir Mohanty and Corporator Biranchi Mahasupakar also attended. Authorities held extensive consultations with the sevayats to ensure that rituals are conducted as per tradition without disruption.
Key issues discussed included the timing and smooth conduct of the Mahadeepa lifting ceremony, crowd regulation, and coordination among various agencies. Special emphasis was laid on maintaining law and order, preventing any untoward incidents, and ensuring that all rituals conclude seamlessly.
The police urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant during the festivities. Discussions were also held on facilitating orderly queue darshan for devotees, implementing a pass system where required, and ensuring better crowd management.
In view of the large turnout expected on Jagara night, special arrangements have been made for devotees’ convenience and security. Separate parking zones and designated traffic routes will be enforced to streamline vehicular movement and prevent congestion. Learning from past experiences, the administration has adopted precautionary measures to avoid disorder and inconvenience.
With comprehensive planning and coordinated efforts among all departments, the authorities aim to ensure that the Maha Shivratri celebrations at the historic Lingaraj Temple are conducted in a peaceful, disciplined and devotional atmosphere.
