DJs are completely banned. Crackers are strictly prohibited during idol processions.
Ganesh Puja Guidelines; No DJ, melody after 10 pm: The Commissionerate Police (CP), Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, has issued detailed guidelines ahead of Ganesh puja celebrations. Restrictions have been issued regarding ban on DJs, fireworks and melody programmes. The move will ensure smooth and peaceful observance of festival in the capital city and surrounding areas.
As per the new rules imposed by the Commissionerate Police, only traditional music and slow-sound microphones will be permitted, while DJs are completely banned. Crackers are strictly prohibited during processions. Melody and cultural programmes will be allowed only up to 10:00 pm. Idol immersion has been fixed for three specific dates — September 16, 18 and 20, 2026. Processions must avoid peak traffic hours from 9:00 am to 11:00 am and 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm, as well as national highways.
Immersion will take place only at designated temporary ponds. These include Lingipur on the Daya river under BMC, Palasuni, Hanspal and Basuaghai on the Kuakhia river, KIST Canal in Jatni, a temporary pit near Nalanda Institute of Technology at Chandaka, and a temporary pond on the Kusabhadra river under Balianta police station. A separate immersion procession has been proposed for the Jatni police station jurisdiction on September 26, 2026.
CCTV cameras have been made mandatory at puja mandaps as a part of security arrangements. The police have also warned puja committee members against collecting donations(chanda) by force.
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