Jalandhar, October 22: Residents and commuters in Jalandhar may face traffic restrictions and route diversions on Saturday, October 24, as the city prepares for a grand Shobha Yatra celebrating the Pargat Utsav of Bhagwan Maharishi Valmiki Ji. The district administration and Jalandhar Commissionerate Police are making special traffic and security arrangements to ensure the smooth movement of the religious procession while minimising inconvenience to the public.
The procession is expected to attract a large gathering of devotees from different parts of the city and surrounding areas. With significant movement anticipated along the procession route, traffic arrangements are being planned to regulate vehicles, manage congestion and maintain public safety. Motorists travelling through central Jalandhar and areas near the procession are advised to allow additional travel time and follow directions issued by traffic police.
Punjab Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat, Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Walia, Commissioner of Police Satinder Singh and Punjab Safai Karamchari Association Chairman Chandan Grewal previously reviewed preparations for the celebrations with representatives of religious and social organisations. During the meeting, officials discussed traffic diversions, designated parking areas, security deployment, cleanliness and other essential arrangements required for the event.
The administration has assured organisers that necessary facilities will be arranged for devotees participating in the Shobha Yatra. Police personnel are expected to manage traffic at important locations along the procession route, while arrangements are also being made to prevent congestion and ensure access for emergency services. Residents have been advised to cooperate with the authorities and avoid unnecessary travel through areas affected by the procession.
Meanwhile, the Jalandhar district administration has announced a half-day holiday on October 24 for government and private schools, colleges and Industrial Training Institutes situated within the Jalandhar Municipal Corporation limits. According to the orders issued by Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Walia, these educational institutions will remain closed after 12 noon. The decision has been taken to facilitate the religious celebrations and reduce difficulties for students, teachers and other commuters.
The Shobha Yatra forms an important part of the celebrations dedicated to Bhagwan Maharishi Valmiki Ji, whose teachings emphasise equality, knowledge and social harmony. Religious organisations and volunteers are participating in preparations to welcome devotees and conduct the event in an organised manner.
Residents planning to travel across Jalandhar on October 24 are advised to check the latest traffic police advisory before leaving home. The exact roads affected, diversion timings and alternative routes should be confirmed through the official traffic plan, as restrictions may vary depending on the movement of the procession.
The administration has appealed to residents and visitors to cooperate with traffic personnel so that the celebrations can take place peacefully without causing unnecessary disruption to daily life.
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