Govt steps up preparations for a smooth Maha Shivratri at Lingaraj shrine

Bhubaneswar: Amid recurring disruptions to Maha Shivratri (Jagar Yatra) rituals at the Lingaraj Temple due to factors such as disputes among servitors, the state govt stepped up preparations to ensure the smooth and orderly conduct of the festival on Feb 15.A high-level review meeting on festival preparedness was held on Monday under the chairmanship of law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan. Addressing officials, temple authorities and sevayats, the minister stressed strict adherence to traditional rituals, their timely observance and orderly darshan for devotees, from the commencement of the festival to the lighting of the Mahadeepa atop the shrine, the most significant ritual marking the culmination of Shivratri.Harichandan underlined the importance of discipline, safety and efficient crowd management. The lifting of the Mahadeepa has been fixed at 10 pm this year.The minister directed officials to ensure comprehensive arrangements for parking, drinking water supply, sanitation, lighting, barricading, fire safety and crowd and traffic management. He also instructed authorities to focus on the decoration of the temple and its surrounding areas to enhance the festive ambience.

Strict action has been ordered against fake pass-holders and unauthorised persons attempting to enter the temple premises.Highlighting the growing stature of the Jagar Yatra, Harichandan said the festival attracts devotees not only from across Odisha but also from other parts of the country and abroad.Detailed deliberations were also held on maintaining the cleanliness of the temple premises, providing shade and proper ventilation for devotees and setting up an effective control room.

Officials discussed the installation of CCTV surveillance for security and crowd monitoring, along with coordinated media management to ensure timely dissemination of information.The meeting was attended by officials from multiple departments, representatives of temple Nijogs and sevayats, the district administration, police, officials from Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, fire services and other stakeholder agencies. Emphasising the religious and cultural significance of the Jagar Yatra, considered one of the most important festivals dedicated to Lord Lingaraj, the minister said its successful conduct depends on seamless coordination among all stakeholders.