BHUBANESWAR: Raahgiri Day celebration on coming Sunday (February 14) is set to undergo major changes in duration, spread and style. The closing time of the event has been extended from 9.30 am to 10 am and the last 30 minutes will be utilised in community cleaning exercise at the venue.
A decision to extend the timing was taken as several participants felt that activities are not getting exposure within the closing time of 9.30 am. The extended cycling zone, this time, will be on the stretch between Ram Mandir and Rupali Square so that the area for for stunts and wheel skating is not crowded.
As Raahgiri Day consists of events pertaining to people’s participation, visitors can take part in community cleaning of the area along the Janpath, Mayor AN Jena said. “It will also help the City set a new trend as it can contribute to the Swachh Bharat Mission,” he added.
To connect Raahgiri with more people, an innovative selfie kiosk with messages on the event will be organised on February 14 and people can register their thoughts regarding the event near the selfie kiosk.
There will be adequate arrangement for temporary toilets as several organisations on the Janpath have come forward by opening their facilities for public use. This time, signage will be placed for public convenience.
The Gurudwara Singh Sabha, Directorate of Labour and Employment and a couple of political parties have given their consent to allow visitors to use their facilities.
While more volunteers will be roped in to ensure smooth conduct of the event, NCC, Scouts, Red Cross, school and college students and traffic volunteers will be deployed this time, Nodal Officer for Raahgiri BS Chainy said.