SAMBALPUR: Amid tight security arrangements, Hanuman Jayanti celebrations passed off peacefully in Sambalpur on Tuesday.
The festival witnessed enthusiastic participation of devotees, with separate processions from Dhankauda, Dhanupali, Ainthapali, Sakhipara, Remed, Bareipali and Badabazar taken out through designated routes in an organised manner.
The processions converged at the Brookshill temple where a grand Maha Arati was performed. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan led the rituals amid chants and devotional fervour. A spectacular fireworks display lit up the night sky near Zilla School chowk, adding grandeur to the celebrations.
A massive security deployment was put in place across the city to ensure smooth conduct of the festival. At least 44 platoons of police force, three companies of CAPF, 14 deputy SPs, five Additional SPs, 41 inspectors, and 140 SI/ASIs were deployed at strategic and sensitive locations.
Special emphasis was placed on surveillance and monitoring. Drone cameras, CCTV systems, and other advanced equipment were used to keep a close watch along the procession route. Authorities also arranged rooftop surveillance at vulnerable locations.
Regular patrolling by police teams and quick response units further strengthened the security grid. Authorities also made elaborate traffic management arrangements to regulate movement and prevent congestion during the processions, while a route map was circulated widely across social media for awareness of the public.
Several prominent leaders including Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Naik, MLA Jayanarayan Mishra, and former legislator Nauri Naik took part in the celebrations.