- Ravana Podi will be held at nine locations in Bhubaneswar on October 21, 2026.
- Safety guidelines require a minimum 100-metre separation around each effigy-burning area, along with barricading and fire service support.
- Durga idol immersion processions are scheduled for October 22, with arrangements for crowd management and traffic regulation.
Bhubaneswar: The traditional Ravana Podi ceremony will take place at nine locations across Bhubaneswar on Wednesday as Odisha celebrates Vijayadashami. The Commissionerate Police has put safety measures in place, including crowd management arrangements, police deployment and fire service support, to help ensure the celebrations proceed peacefully.
The festival marks the symbolic victory of good over evil and attracts families and devotees to public gatherings across the city. Authorities have instructed organisers to follow prescribed safety guidelines during the effigy-burning ceremonies.
Ravana Podi in Bhubaneswar: Safety Guidelines
The police have granted permission to nine organisers to conduct Ravana Podi events at designated locations. According to the safety instructions issued to the organisers, a minimum distance of 100 metres must be maintained between the effigy-burning area and spectators in all directions.
The designated area must also be properly barricaded to prevent crowds from approaching the site too closely.
Fire service teams have been arranged for each venue to respond to potential emergencies. Police personnel will also be deployed to regulate crowds and maintain order during the celebrations.
Authorities have emphasised the importance of following these instructions, particularly where large gatherings are expected.
Police Deployment and Crowd Management
Managing public movement will be a key priority during the celebrations. Police personnel will oversee crowd control at the approved venues, while fire service teams will remain available to deal with fire-related emergencies.
Visitors are advised to follow instructions from the police, remain within designated spectator areas and avoid entering barricaded zones.
People attending the events should also plan their journeys in advance, as traffic restrictions may affect movement around celebration venues.
Durga Puja Immersion Arrangements on October 22
Following Vijayadashami, preparations will continue for the Durga idol immersion processions scheduled for Thursday, October 22.
According to the arrangements announced by the authorities, idols will be assembled at designated points before being transported to the earmarked immersion sites.
Police and civic authorities will coordinate crowd management, traffic regulation and the movement of immersion processions to help ensure the concluding rituals take place in an orderly manner.
Residents travelling through affected areas should check official traffic advisories before setting out.
Why Ravana Podi Is Celebrated on Vijayadashami
Ravana Podi, also known as Ravana Dahan, is a traditional part of Dussehra celebrations in many parts of India. The ritual involves burning an effigy of Ravana and symbolises the triumph of righteousness over wrongdoing.
The tradition is associated with the Ramayana, which recounts Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. Vijayadashami also commemorates Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura in Hindu tradition.
In Bhubaneswar, community-organised celebrations bring residents together to observe the festival and mark the conclusion of the major Durga Puja festivities.
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