The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has rolled out stringent Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs for the upcoming Khandagiri Jatra, making it clear that any display of obscene content during performances will result in immediate cancellation of the event. The civic body has also linked the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) strictly to adherence to cultural, safety and cleanliness norms.
Preparations for the annual fair are underway, with BMC officials closely monitoring arrangements to ensure orderly conduct, crowd management and hygiene. The SOPs were finalised after a meeting with all Jatra organising committees at the BMC South-East Zone office.
As per the guidelines, organisers must ensure discipline, prevent obscenity, maintain cleanliness, manage parking effectively, install barricades and follow crowd-control measures. Illegal parking in and around the fair area will attract a fine of Rs 1,200. This year, 15 Jatra troupes will perform across seven pandals, and an independent BMC squad will be deployed to monitor compliance. Authorities said action may also be initiated based on media reports if violations are detected.
S. Rakesh Kumar Patra, Joint Deputy Commissioner (JDC) of the BMC South-East Zone, stated that organisers were clearly instructed to uphold cultural values and comply with all directives related to safety, parking and sanitation as a precondition for NOC approval.
Banambar Hatua, Secretary of Sanatan Seva Samiti, said a long-standing decision has been in place for over a decade to ban obscenity in Jatra performances. He added that artists associated with the Samiti would perform exclusively for their own troupe.
Arrangements are being made to provide seating for spectators at all pandals, and volunteers will be required to carry ID cards. Stall allotment for the Khandagiri Mela has begun, with shops permitted to operate from January 25 to February 7. A maximum of 50 stalls will be allowed, and licence fees will be collected by the BMC.
Raghu Mohanty, Chairperson of the Indira Cultural Organisation, said designated parking zones would be clearly marked and strictly enforced, with action against unauthorised vehicles. BMC officials reiterated that the SOPs aim to ensure the Khandagiri Jatra is conducted in a safe, disciplined and culturally respectful manner.
