Talcher Turns Festive as 12-Day Ganesh Puja Begins Amid Tight Security
Dhiramohan RayOdishabarta
Over 100 Ganesh idols installed across the coal city; 8 platoons deployed, CCTV surveillance intensified
Talcher, September 15: The famous Ganesh Puja in Talcher began with religious fervour and festive enthusiasm on Monday, as the coal city came alive with colourful decorations, illuminated gates and elaborately decorated puja pandals. The 12-day celebration will culminate with the immersion of idols on September 26.
More than 100 Ganesh idols are being worshipped at different puja pandals across Talcher this year. From Handidhua to Badadand Sahi, stretching nearly five kilometres, the city has been transformed into a vibrant festive zone, attracting large numbers of devotees and visitors.
With expectations of a heavy rush during the celebrations, the police and district administration have made elaborate security and traffic-management arrangements. CCTV cameras have been installed at strategic locations across the city, with public-address facilities also being used to monitor and communicate during the festivities. Police teams have been kept ready for immediate response to any untoward incident.
Temporary police camps have been established at six important locations, while around eight platoons of police personnel have been deployed across the city. Security has been strengthened along major roads and near the puja pandals, with traffic regulation intensified to ensure smooth movement of devotees and vehicles.
The puja celebrations are being conducted under the supervision of the Central Ganesh Puja Committee, headed by its President and Talcher Sub-Collector Ashish Ranjan Sahoo.
The festive atmosphere has also provided a boost to local business activity. Numerous temporary shops, amusement rides, food stalls and other commercial establishments have come up at different locations, adding to the attraction for visitors.
Talcher SDPO Bharat Chandra Sahoo said the police administration is maintaining a close vigil and keeping a strict watch on anti-social elements to ensure that the celebrations pass off peacefully.
To deal with medical emergencies, Civil Defence volunteers and members of the St. John Ambulance team have been stationed at different locations to provide first-aid services to devotees and visitors.
A public information centre has also been opened on Hatatota Main Road to assist visitors. The police have issued a route map for the convenience of devotees and to facilitate traffic management during the festival.
With elaborate decorations, religious programmes and large-scale public participation, Talcher is expected to witness a vibrant 12-day Ganesh Puja celebration, with the administration and police remaining on high alert throughout the festival.
