Bhubaneswar: Ravan Podi celebrations were held at nine locations across the city on Wednesday evening amid heightened security and fire safety arrangements by the Commissionerate Police and the Fire Services Department, respectively. The events passed off peacefully, with the authorities enforcing safety protocols to manage crowds and prevent untoward incidents.

The venues included Kapilaprasad (Sundarpada), Baramunda Ground, Bankual, Koradakanta, Naharkanta, Patia, Infocity, Andharua and Gandarpur. The locations fell under eight police station areas, with two events held within the jurisdiction of Badagada police station.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Saravana Vivek M said detailed standard operating procedures (SOP) had been issued to organisers, prescribing a minimum safety distance of 100 metres around each Ravan Podi site. The perimeter was to be barricaded to keep spectators away from burning effigies and fireworks.

Also Read: Puri prepares for Gosani Ekadashi as Durga Puja immersion processions conclude

“Detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been issued to organisers on the distance of the crowd from the Ravan Podi. It has to be a minimum of 100 meters around the RavanPodi site. A minimum of 100 metres has to be maintained and it has to be barricaded,” he said.

Fire service teams and rescue personnel were deployed at the venues to respond to emergencies. Police personnel were also stationed at the sites to regulate crowds and maintain law and order, while personnel in plain clothes monitored gatherings to prevent anti-social activities.

Residents and spectators welcomed the arrangements, particularly the restrictions on DJs during festive processions. Devika Patnaik, a resident of Ashok Nagar, said the authorities had taken a welcome step by banning DJs, which she felt had increasingly become a nuisance during religious celebrations.

“There was nothing devotional about loud DJ music. Banning it helped bring back the religious spirit of the festival,” she said.

Rohan Routrai of BJB Nagar said the arrangements appeared better this year, with greater attention to public safety. Referring to the recent stampede in Kolkata, he said such incidents had made people more cautious about crowd management.

“The arrangements were better, and the Kolkata stampede has made everyone more cautious. It is good to see greater attention being paid to safety,” he said.

The celebrations marked Vijayadashami, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Organisers had been directed to follow safety guidelines and complete the programmes within the stipulated time.

With Ravan Podi concluding, attention shifted to the Durga idol immersion processions scheduled for Thursday. Police and civic authorities were expected to maintain security and traffic management arrangements to ensure the remaining festive activities concluded peacefully.