Bhubaneswar: In preparation for the auspicious Maha Shivaratri celebrations at the historic Ekamra Kshetra, a high-level review meeting was convened to ensure the seamless execution of the sacred rituals for Lord Lingaraj.
Presided over by the Minister for Law, Works, and Excise, Shri Prithviraj Harichandan, the discussion focused on harmonizing the efforts of temple servitors and administrative departments to provide a spiritually enriching and orderly experience for the global community of Shiva devotees. Principal Secretary Department Of Law, Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samal outlined the discussion points.
Presiding over the meeting at the Department of Law conference hall in Lok Seva Bhawan, Minister Shri Harichandan emphasized that a festival of such spiritual magnitude cannot be managed by a single entity. He highlighted the vital roles played by the servitors, various Nijogs, district and police administration, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Fire Services, and the Media.
The Minister underscored that every aspect of the festival—from the timely execution of Nitikanti to the final lifting of the Mahadeepa atop the temple—must be handled with utmost precision and devotion. He also issued a stern warning against unauthorized persons or those holding fake passes, directing officials to take strict action to preserve the sanctity of the temple premises.
As Jagar Jatra attracts Shiva devotees from across the globe, the meeting delved into several critical logistical areas to ensure a smooth pilgrimage: Intensive cleaning of the temple and surrounding, installation of barricades, adequate lighting, and temporary sheds to provide shade and ventilation for waiting devotees, continuous supply of drinking water and sanitation facilities, comprehensive CCTV monitoring, a dedicated control room, and fire safety protocols and strategic parking and traffic plans to handle the massive influx of pilgrims.
The meeting saw participation from several key dignitaries and officials, including Bhubaneswar Ekamra MLA Shri Babu Singh, BMC Mayor Shrimati Sulochana Das, and Representatives from the Archaeological Survey of India, Works Department, WATCO, and Capital Hospital were also present to coordinate the multi-departmental effort. The collective goal remains to ensure that the Jagar Jatra is celebrated with the grandeur and spiritual discipline that Lord Lingaraj’s devotees cherish.