Bengaluru: Major traffic diversions have been announced across central and west Bengaluru as the city gears up for the grand Bengaluru Karaga procession scheduled for the night of April 1.
The annual festival, one of the oldest and most revered in the city, is expected to draw thousands of devotees, prompting authorities to impose restrictions to ensure smooth movement and public safety.
The traditional camphor ritual will take place on the evening of April 1, followed by the iconic Huvina Karaga procession beginning around 12:30 AM on April 2.
The procession will commence from the historic Dharmaraya Swamy Temple and cover a distance of nearly 22 kilometres, passing through densely populated areas in central and western parts of the city.
According to traffic police, restrictions will be in force from 9:00 PM on April 1 to 7:00 AM on April 2.
Key stretches that will remain closed to vehicular movement include:
Additionally, busy roads such as Akkipete and OTC Road will be completely shut as the procession moves through these areas.
Motorists have been advised to avoid these routes during the restricted hours.
To ease congestion, commuters are encouraged to use alternative routes including:
Authorities have urged citizens to plan their travel заранее and consider using public transport wherever possible.
City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh, along with senior officials, reviewed the security arrangements and visited the temple to assess preparedness.
Officials stated that extensive measures have been implemented to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration. CCTV cameras have been installed along the entire procession route, and real-time monitoring will be carried out from control rooms.
Around 2,000 police personnel, including traffic, law and order units, and special teams, have been deployed to manage crowd control and prevent any untoward incidents.
Authorities have appealed to the public to cooperate with traffic personnel, adhere to advisories, and avoid restricted areas during the procession hours.
The Bengaluru Karaga continues to hold deep cultural and religious significance, and officials emphasised that coordinated efforts from both citizens and authorities are key to ensuring the smooth conduct of the event.
With large crowds expected and extensive arrangements in place, Bengaluru is set for a vibrant yet carefully managed Karaga celebration. Traffic diversions and heightened security aim to balance tradition with safety and convenience for residents.