The first phase of the much-awaited Bhasani Utsav, a highlight of Barang’s grand Kartikeswar Puja festival, was celebrated with great fervour on Saturday night. The procession featured eight medhas (elaborate floats or groups) from various localities.
Each puja committee put in significant efforts to make the event visually stunning, incorporating traditional instruments like ghanta (bells), sankha (conch shells), singha (horns), haladi katha, and modern elements alongside cultural dances such as deva-devi nach (god-goddess dances), ghoda nach (horse dances), kandhei nach (puppet dances), and Punjabi styles. The youth’s energetic performances captivated the spectators, while attractive light gates and a mix of traditional and contemporary music added to the spectacle.
The streets of Barang came alive in the evening, with massive crowds lining the main road to witness the procession. The Sitaram Bazaar Puja Committee honoured all participating committees, and under the direct supervision of Barang Regional Peace Committee President Pratap Chandra Pani and Secretary Suresh Mohanty, along with Barang Police, the eight medhas were immersed peacefully. The event drew throngs of onlookers late into the night near the Barang police station.
However, the festivities were marred by severe traffic disruptions on Barang’s main road, particularly the Trisulia route connecting Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. Thousands of vehicles were stuck in gridlock, including ambulances, leading to a complete halt in traffic flow between the two cities.
Unlike previous years, when special route diversions and extensive police deployment ensured smooth conduct, this year’s event saw glaring administrative lapses. No adequate arrangements were made for vehicle movement, leaving commuters stranded for hours.
The general public and drivers expressed frustration over the police’s inefficiency, highlighting how the lack of planning turned a cultural celebration into a nightmare for travellers. The absence of traffic management has raised questions about the authorities’ preparedness for such large-scale events.
