Bhubaneswar: Chairing a high-level review meeting on preparedness ahead of the upcoming Ram Nabami celebrations on March 27, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday directed the police administration to ensure strict maintenance of law and order across the state.

Highlighting the importance of the festival, the Chief Minister said Ram Navami, which marks the birth anniversary of Lord Rama, is celebrated across the country with great devotion and gaiety. He stressed it is the responsibility of the administration to ensure that devotees in the State observe the festival peacefully and without any disruption.

Officials informed in 2025, the festival was conducted smoothly due to extensive precautionary measures taken by the police. The Chief Minister directed similar arrangements, including adequate police deployment and proper crowd management, be ensured this year as well.

Majhi emphasised all necessary steps must be taken so that people across the state can celebrate the festival in a safe and orderly manner.

Senior officials present at the meeting included Chief Minister’s Office Advisor Prakash Mishra, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hemant Sharma, Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania, Additional DGP (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar, Intelligence Director R.P. Koche, and Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner Devdatta Singh, among others.

The meeting focused on coordinated efforts to maintain peace, strengthen security arrangements, and ensure smooth conduct of the festival across Odisha.