Phulbani, Sept. 4 (UDN): Security has been intensified across Odisha’s Kandhamal district ahead of Janmashtami and the observance of the 18th death anniversary of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, with police deploying additional personnel at key locations and stepping up surveillance in sensitive areas.

Special religious programmes have been scheduled at the Jaleshpata and Chakapada ashrams on Friday, where devotees will observe Swami Laxmanananda’s annual Shraddha ceremony and Tirodhan Diwas alongside Janmashtami celebrations.

Multi-layered security plan

To ensure the peaceful conduct of the events, police have strengthened security across the district by increasing patrols, establishing checkpoints at entry points and deploying additional forces in vulnerable areas.

Kandhamal Superintendent of Police Ramendra Prasad said senior officers would supervise the security arrangements, with multiple platoons of police personnel stationed at both ashrams throughout the programmes.

Special events at Jaleshpata

The Jaleshpata Ashram has planned an extensive schedule of religious and commemorative events. According to Swami Jivan Muktananda Puri, Chairperson of the Shankaracharya Sanskrit Kanyashram, the evening programme will include Janmashtami celebrations, the foundation day of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and events marking Swami Laxmanananda’s birth centenary.

VHP State Secretary Pandit Mahesh Sahu said the centenary year has generated considerable enthusiasm among devotees and ashram residents, who have been preparing for the celebrations.

Administration on alert

Officials said the coordinated deployment of police personnel, intensified patrolling and security checks are aimed at ensuring that devotees can participate in the religious programmes without disruption.

The district administration expressed confidence that, with the enhanced security measures in place, the observances at Jaleshpata and Chakapada would conclude peacefully, continuing the orderly conduct witnessed in recent years.