Bhubaneswar, Mar 27: Devotees thronged temples across Odisha on Friday to celebrate the auspicious festival of Ram Navami, with major धार्मिक centres witnessing large gatherings amid heightened security arrangements.

At the revered Jagannath Temple, one of the state’s most prominent pilgrimage sites, a steady stream of devotees was seen offering prayers from early morning. Similar scenes of devotion were reported from temples across the state as people participated in rituals and processions.

Authorities stepped up security in sensitive districts, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack and Sambalpur, identified based on past incidents. Surveillance was strengthened through drones and extensive CCTV coverage to monitor gatherings and processions.

Quick response teams were deployed in vulnerable areas to handle any untoward situations promptly, officials said. In Cuttack, which witnessed clashes during last year’s Dussehra celebrations, elaborate arrangements were made with over 30 platoons of police forces and personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force stationed across the city.

Additionally, more than 300 CCTV cameras were installed at key locations, including major roads, marketplaces and congregation points, ensuring close monitoring and smooth conduct of the festival.

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