Cuttack, Oct 22: Although a few Durga idols were immersed at Devi Gada late on Wednesday night, the city’s main immersion procession will be held on Thursday. The grand procession is expected to bring the streets of Cuttack alive with traditional music, elaborate decorations and vibrant celebrations.

After completing their traditional processions through their respective localities, members of various puja committees will join the main procession along the city’s roads. Traditional instruments such as bells, drums and madal will accompany the processions, alongside brass bands and electronic musical instruments.

More than 130 Durga idols under the jurisdiction of the Mahanagar Puja Committee are expected to participate in the immersion procession and proceed towards Devi Gada on the Kathajodi River. Three temporary water reservoirs have been constructed at Devi Gada to facilitate the immersion of the idols.

Elaborate security arrangements in place

The Commissionerate Police has deployed more than 62 platoons of security personnel to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of people and property during the immersion festivities. Personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) have also been deployed separately.

More than 300 police officers will be engaged in security duties. Police personnel have been directed to reach their respective idol locations by 8 am. Additional forces have been deployed along the stretch from Howrah Motor Square to Gaurishankar Park.

Sensitive areas, including Kadam Rasul and Hatipokhari, are under heightened surveillance, with central paramilitary forces stationed at camps in the localities. Armed personnel have been deployed to maintain strict vigil in these areas.

Special protection for silver tableaux

Silver tableaux have been classified under the ‘A’ category, with four armed police personnel assigned to each tableau, in addition to officers and other security personnel. Separate security arrangements have also been made for tableaux falling under the ‘B’ category.

Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh, Additional Police Commissioner Narasingh Bhol and Deputy Commissioner of Police Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo will oversee the overall security arrangements. Additional Police Commissioner Bhol is scheduled to remain in the vicinity of Kadam Rasul to monitor the security situation.

Strict action against violations

The police have warned that indiscipline and illegal activities during the immersion procession will not be tolerated. The DCP has cautioned that strict action will be taken against anyone who takes the law into their own hands.

With extensive security deployment and arrangements for the smooth conduct of the immersion rituals, the city administration and police are preparing to manage the large crowds and ensure the peaceful completion of the festivities.