By Our Correspondent
CUTTACK/BHUBANESWAR: In view of the large congregation of Kaudia devotees on the 4th Monday of the holy month of Shrabana (24th August 2026), elaborate police arrangements have been put in place across the districts under Central Range, Odisha, with special focus on *Dhabaleswar Temple*, to ensure the safe, smooth, peaceful and dignified darshan of Lord Shiva.
During the Shrabana period, large numbers of Kaudias undertake journeys carrying holy water from rivers like Mahanadi,Prachi, Bhargavi etc. to various Shiva temples. This year Shrabana Mela was observed on 3rd, 10th, 17th and the final Monday on 24th August 2026.
*PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:*
To facilitate smooth and peaceful darshan of Lord Dhabaleswar while ensuring effective crowd management, traffic regulation, safety of devotees and prevention of any untoward incident. The religious sentiments of devotees are being given the highest priority.
*I. SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS AT DHABALESWAR TEMPLE – GURUDIJHATIA (CUTTACK)*
More than 20,000 devotees, including women, children and elderly persons are having darshan at Dhabaleswar today.
Key arrangements made:
– Adequate deployment of 6 platoons of force along with officers of all ranks at temple approach roads, entry/exit points, bridge/river crossing areas, parking zones and congregation points.
– Special crowd-management teams to regulate movement, prevent overcrowding and stampede-like situations.
– Separate arrangements and special care for women, elderly, children and Divyangjans.
– Strengthened traffic and parking arrangements on all approach roads to ensure uninterrupted movement of emergency vehicles.
– Continuous monitoring and surveillance at vulnerable and high-footfall locations.
– Quick Response Teams and reserve forces kept ready for immediate response.
– Enhanced river and water-safety measures where devotees come in contact with the river.
– Fire and emergency response arrangements in coordination with concerned agencies.
– Public Address System for regular announcements regarding queue, traffic, parking and safety.
– Anti-social elements, pickpockets and miscreants under close watch.
– Police personnel sensitised for devotee-friendly, courteous and respectful behaviour.
– Senior officers including IGP,CR,SP,SDPO,Chowdwar,IIC,
*II. DISTRICT-WISE ARRANGEMENTS ACROSS CENTRAL RANGE*
*1. Puri:* At Shree Loknath Dev Temple, Jodalinga Shiv Temple and Balikapileswar Temple. Special deployment at Bhargavi River area under Chandanpur PS and 3 NH patrolling vehicles. Total deployment includes 03 Addl. SPs, 10 DSPs/ACs, 17 Inspectors, 66 SIs/ASIs, 20 Havildars, 66 Constables, 12 platoons, 02 sections and 253 Home Guards.
*2. Cuttack:* Apart from Dhabaleswar, at Singhanath Temple, Badamba – 3,500-4,000 devotees expected – 01 platoon and officers from District HQ and Athagarh Sub-Division deployed.
*3. Nayagarh:* Ladukeswar Temple, Saranakul – 20,000-25,000 devotees and Dutikeswar Temple, Odagaon – 10,000-15,000 devotees expected. Adequate officers, platoons and Home Guards deployed. 12 other Shiva temples in district covered.
*4. Jagatsinghpur:* Shiva temples under 10 PSs – Jagatsinghpur, Biridi, Naugaon, Raghunathpur, Tirtol, Balikuda, Paradeep Lock, Kujanga and Bandar Marine covered. 02 platoons deployed. 02 sections exclusively at Gorekhnath Temple, Tirtol.
*5. Jajpur:* Shiva temples under Badachana, Dharmasala, Kuakhia, Jajpur Town, Binjharpur and Panikoili – 07 sections deployed.
*6. Khordha:* All Police Stations alerted and sensitised regarding movement of Kaudias.
*7. Kendrapara:* All PSs alerted. Special focus on devotees travelling through Rajkanika PS area towards Aradi Shiva Temple, Bhadrak – arrangements made for safe passage by boats.
*III. APPEAL TO DEVOTEES*
Devotees are requested to:
1. Maintain discipline and follow designated queues and routes.
2. Cooperate with police and temple authorities.
3. Avoid rushing, pushing or bypassing queues.
4. Follow traffic, parking and safety instructions.
5. Take special care of children, elderly and family members.
6. Avoid carrying unnecessary valuables.
7. Immediately report any suspicious activity or emergency to the nearest police personnel.
8. Use designated routes and river crossing points.
Police personnel have been instructed to maintain close coordination with temple authorities, local administration and other stakeholders with special focus on crowd management, traffic regulation, safe movement of Kaudias and river-crossing points.
*Central Range Police remains committed to ensuring that Shrabana Mela is conducted in a safe, peaceful, orderly and devotee-friendly manner. Safety of devotees is our highest priority; their faith and dignity are our collective responsibility.*
