Maha Shivratri Celebrations in Odisha: Heavy Footfall at Lingaraj and Other Shaiva Shrines
Bhubaneswar: Thousands of devotees thronged major Shaiva shrines across Odisha on Sunday to celebrate Maha Shivratri with devotion and grandeur.
At the iconic Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, the sacred Mahadeepa ritual is scheduled for 10 pm.
Authorities have deployed 41 platoons of police and nearly 200 officers to ensure the smooth conduct of rituals and crowd management. Strict measures have been taken to prevent misuse of entry passes.
In Puri’s Lokanath Temple, locally known for the Jagar Jatra, five platoons of police have been stationed.
Special arrangements were made for elderly devotees, families, and persons with disabilities to ensure inclusive participation.
The Dhabaleswar Temple in Cuttack district has completed all preparations, with the Mahadeepa ritual set for 1 am. Queue regulation and safety standards have been emphasised to handle the surge of devotees.
At Kapilas Temple in Dhenkanal and other shrines, devotees began arriving before dawn, offering prayers and lighting lamps.
The administration prioritised accessibility and safety, ensuring a spiritual yet organised atmosphere.
Maha Shivratri remains one of Odisha’s most significant festivals, drawing thousands of devotees annually to witness the divine rituals and experience the spiritual fervour.
