Cuttack, 17 August 2026 (Reporterspen): In view of the Shrabana Mela (Bol Bom) observed on 3rd, 10th, 17th and to be observed on 24th August 2026, elaborate security and traffic arrangements have been put in place across the districts under Central Range, Odisha, to ensure the safe, smooth and peaceful movement of Kaudias and devotees.
During the Shrabana period, large numbers of Kaudias undertake journeys carrying holy water from rivers(Prachi,Bhargavi etc)to various Shiva temples(Lokanath Temple).Police personnel have been deployed at important Shiva temples, along major routes, river crossings and other vulnerable locations to facilitate the safe movement of devotees and regulate traffic.
District-wise Arrangements
Puri:
Important Shiva temples covered under the arrangements include Shree Loknath Dev Temple,Jodalinga Shiv Temple and Balikapileswar Temple. Composite deployment has been made at different temple locations, traffic points (3N.H patrolling vehicles) and the Bhargavi River area under Chandanpur Police Station. The deployment includes 03 Addl. SPs, 10 DSPs/ACs, 17 Inspectors, 66 SIs/ASIs, 20 Havildars, 66 Constables/Women Constables, 12 platoons and 02 sections of force, besides 253 Home Guards.
Cuttack:
At Dhabaleswar Shiva Temple under Gurudijhatia PS, more than 50,000 devotees, including women and children, are expected. Six platoons of force, along with officers and personnel of different ranks, have been deployed. At Singhanath Shiva Temple under Badamba PS, an estimated 3,500–4,000 devotees are expected, with one platoon of force and additional officers and personnel deployed from the district headquarters and Athagarh Sub-Division.
Nayagarh:
At Ladukeswar Temple under Saranakul PS, approximately 20,000–25,000 devotees are expected, while 10,000–15,000 devotees are expected at Dutikeswar Temple under Odagaon PS. Adequate deployment of DSPs, Inspectors, SIs/ASIs, constables, platoons of armed police and Home Guards has been made at these locations. Arrangements have also been made at twelve other Shiva temples across the district.
Jagatsinghpur:
Police arrangements have been made at a large number of Shiva temples falling under 10 Police Stations, including Jagatsinghpur, Biridi, Naugaon, Raghunathpur, Tirtol, Balikuda, Paradeep Lock, Kujanga and Bandar Marine areas. Two platoons of force, along with officers and personnel of different ranks, have been deployed. Two sections of force have been exclusively deployed at Gorekhnath Shiva Temple under Tirtol PS.
Jajpur:
Arrangements have been made at Shiva temples under Badachana, Dharmasala, Kuakhia, Jajpur Town, Binjharpur and Panikoili Police Stations. Seven sections of force, along with officers and personnel of different ranks, have been deployed.
Khordha:
The principal focus for the offering of holy water, all Police Stations have been alerted and sensitised regarding the movement of Kaudias through their respective jurisdictions.
Kendrapara:
All Police Stations have been alerted regarding the movement of Kaudias. Particular attention has been given to devotees travelling through the Rajkanika PS area towards Aradi Shiva Temple in Bhadrak, including arrangements for their safe passage by boats.
Safety and Traffic Management
Police personnel have been instructed to maintain close coordination with temple authorities, local administration and other stakeholders. Special attention is being given to crowd management, traffic regulation, safe movement of Kaudias, river-crossing points and prevention of any untoward incident.
Devotees are requested to cooperate with the police and administration, follow traffic and safety instructions, avoid overcrowding and remain vigilant during their journey. They are also advised to use designated routes and crossing points and to extend full cooperation to police personnel deployed for their safety.
The Central Range Police remains committed to ensuring that the Shrabana Mela is conducted in a safe, peaceful, orderly and devotee-friendly manner, while facilitating the religious sentiments and smooth movement of all Kaudias and pilgrims.
