Sambalpur, April 9: In light of the upcoming state elections, Sambalpur's Hanuman Jayanti celebration will not feature the usual grand religious procession or bike rally this year. This decision comes after discussions between the district administration, the peace committee, and various social groups.

Last year, a decision was made in the peace committee meeting to abstain from organizing large religious processions for at least a year. In continuation, it was agreed upon today that no significant processions or bike rallies would take place in the city during religious festivals such as Mahaveer Jayanti, Ram Navami, and Ramzan. Instead, individuals are encouraged to celebrate these occasions at home, in temples, or mosques, without any festivities spilling onto the streets.

Addressing the press after the meeting, Sambalpur Collector Akshay Sunil Agrawal emphasized the importance of maintaining peace during these celebrations and urged all stakeholders to observe the festivals peacefully.

To ensure security during both the festival and the elections, adequate measures have been taken. CRPF personnel have been deployed in strategic locations across the city, in coordination with the district police. Last year's violent incidents during the Hanuman Jayanti celebration, which resulted in curfew imposition due to stone-pelting during a bike rally, serve as a reminder of the necessity for such precautions.

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