Traffic Curbs Announced for ISKCON Ratha Yatra in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: In light of the upcoming Ratha Yatra, Bahuda Yatra, and Sunabesha celebrations at the ISKCON Temple, the Commissionerate Police has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory to facilitate smooth vehicular movement and ensure hassle-free participation for devotees. These religious events are scheduled to take place on June 27 (Ratha Yatra), July 5 (Bahuda Yatra), and July 6 (Sunabesha), and are expected to draw large crowds in and around the ISKCON Temple area.

To manage the expected surge in footfall, significant traffic diversions will be enforced on the days of the festivities. On June 27 and July 5, heavy vehicles coming from the Khordha side will not be allowed to access the service road towards Fire Station Square from 3 PM onwards. This restriction will remain in effect until the chariot procession crosses CRP Square.

In addition, vehicular movement will be restricted on specific routes during the chariot processions. These include the stretch from DAV School in Unit-VIII to Mausimaa Mandir and CRP Square, as well as from CRP Square towards the ISKCON Temple. Further restrictions will be imposed on the service road from the Kasturba School side and the Nayapalli underpass heading towards CRP Square, which will remain closed to general traffic until the chariots pass.

For the Sunabesha celebration on July 6, traffic from CRP Square to ISKCON Temple will be completely prohibited from 5 PM onwards. This restriction will stay in place until the conclusion of the Sunabesha Darshan to ensure the safety of the large number of devotees expected to attend.

The Commissionerate Police has clarified that emergency service vehicles—including ambulances, fire engines, and police vehicles—will be exempt from these restrictions. The public has been urged to cooperate with the traffic arrangements and plan their travel routes in advance to avoid any inconvenience during the festivities.