Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar-Kataka Commissionerate Police on Wednesday issued a traffic advisory ahead of the holy month of Shravan Somvar, urging commuters to cooperate with traffic personnel as thousands of Bol Bam (Kanwariya) devotees are expected to travel towards major Shiva temples during the pilgrimage period.
The Shravan Somvar observance will be held from July 30 to August 28, 2026, and a significant rise in devotee movement is anticipated every week, particularly from Sunday evening to Monday afternoon. Devotees from Kataka, Puri, Khordha, and adjoining areas are expected to head towards Shree Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar and other prominent Shiva shrines.
The police have made special traffic arrangements to ensure the safe and smooth movement of devotees while minimising inconvenience to regular commuters.
As part of the advisory, commuters have been warned of possible congestion around major Shiva temples, including Shree Lingaraj Temple, Kapilash Temple at Old Town, Kedareswar Temple, and other religious places, especially during morning and evening hours.
Motorists have been advised to avoid roads leading to these temples wherever possible and take alternate routes. They have also been asked to follow instructions issued by traffic personnel deployed at key locations.
The police have urged people not to park vehicles on roads near temples and use only designated parking spaces. During peak pilgrimage hours, movement of heavy vehicles may be restricted or diverted from sensitive routes to ensure smooth traffic flow.
Drivers have also been advised to maintain moderate speed, give priority to pedestrians and Kanwariya devotees, and avoid unnecessary honking near temple areas and procession routes.
Meanwhile, special traffic arrangements will be enforced in Kataka City as thousands of devotees are expected to collect holy water from Gadgadia Ghat on the banks of the Mahanadi River.
Entry of four-wheelers and commercial vehicles will remain restricted on the Gadgadia Ghat, Madhusudan Bridge, and Deer Park stretches from Sunday morning onwards. However, emergency vehicles, including ambulances and fire service vehicles, will be allowed free movement at all times.
The Commissionerate Police has appealed to citizens to plan their journeys in advance, allow additional travel time, and extend cooperation to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
