The Commissionerate Police (CP), Bhubaneswar‑Kataka has issued detailed guidelines to ensure the smooth and incident‑free observance of Ganesh Puja 2026 across the capital city and nearby areas.
As per the new rules, DJs are completely banned, with only traditional music and slow‑sound microphones permitted. Crackers are strictly prohibited during processions, while melody and cultural programmes will be allowed only up to 10:00 pm.
Idol immersion has been fixed for September 16, 18 and 20, with processions barred during peak traffic hours (9:00–11:00 am and 5:30–8:00 pm) and restricted from national highways. Immersion will take place only at designated temporary ponds, including Lingipur on the Daya River, Palasuni, Hanspal, Basuaghai, KIST Canal in Jatni, Chandaka near Nalanda Institute of Technology, and Kusabhadra River under Balianta PS. A separate immersion procession has been proposed for Jatni PS jurisdiction on September 26.
So far, 340 applications have been received, with authorities expecting around 420 medhas — 380 within Bhubaneswar city limits and 40 under Jatni PS.
To maintain law and order, CP has planned elaborate security arrangements at puja venues, procession routes and immersion ghats. The deployment includes four Additional DCsP, 10 ACPs, 32 Inspectors, 100 SI/ASIs, 20 Women Constables, 30 platoons of force and one ODRAF team.
Police have appealed to organisers and devotees to strictly follow the guidelines for a peaceful and orderly Ganesh Puja.
