The Commissionerate Police has issued a detailed traffic advisory for the holy month of Shravan, observed from July 30 to August 28, 2026, anticipating a large influx of Bol Bam (Kanwariya) devotees traveling towards Shree Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar.
The advisory highlights expected congestion from Sunday evening to Monday afternoon each week, with devotees arriving from Kataka, Puri, Khordha, and nearby areas. Citizens have been urged to cooperate with traffic personnel and follow safety guidelines to ensure smooth movement during the pilgrimage.
Key instructions include avoiding roads leading to major Shiva temples such as Shree Lingaraj Temple, Kapilash Temple (Old Town), and Kedareshwar Temple, using designated parking areas, and giving priority to pedestrians and Kanwariya devotees. Heavy vehicles may be diverted from sensitive routes during peak hours.
Special arrangements have also been made for Kataka City, where thousands of devotees will collect holy water from Gadgadia Ghat on the Mahanadi River. Four-wheelers and commercial vehicles will be strictly prohibited from entering Gadgadia Ghat, Madhusudan Bridge, and Deer Park stretches from Sunday morning onwards. Emergency vehicles will have free passage at all times.
Commissioner of Police Dr Suresh Dev Datta Singh, IPS, appealed for public cooperation to maintain safe and orderly traffic movement throughout the city during the pilgrimage period.
