Hanuman Jayanti observances and security

Hanuman Jayanti brought large street processions and temple crowds across Odisha on Tuesday, with Sambalpur under one of its biggest security deployments in recent years. (newindianexpress.com) In Sambalpur, police deployed more than 52 platoons, over 180 senior officers and more than 200 home guards, while drones and more than 160 closed-circuit television cameras watched the main routes. Sambalpur Superintendent of Police Mukesh Bhamoo said more than 100,000 devotees joined the celebrations and no untoward incident was reported. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) The security plan followed a bike rally in Sambalpur on April 10 that drew about 20,000 participants before the main festival procession on April 14. Police and central forces had already carried out flag marches and route monitoring ahead of the event. (newindianexpress.com 1) (newindianexpress.com 2) In Ganjam district, devotees gathered at Gurukrupa Ashram in Banibihar, Asika, where organizers installed a Hanuman idol made with 1 crore Rudraksha beads for the festival. Video reports from Odisha broadcasters showed long queues of visitors at the site on April 14. (youtube.com) Odisha’s observance fell on April 14 this year, alongside Maha Bisuba Sankranti, the Odia New Year. In much of India, Hanuman Jayanti in 2026 was marked on April 2 under the Chaitra Purnima calendar, reflecting regional differences in festival dating. (hindu-blog.com) (indianexpress.com) The heavy policing in Sambalpur comes after Hanuman Jayanti processions in the city were hit by communal violence in April 2023, when Odisha suspended internet services and imposed curbs after clashes. The Hindu reported that a procession by the Hanuman Jayanti Samonyoya Samiti was at the center of that unrest. (thehindu.com 1) (thehindu.com 2) This year’s procession passed without reported violence, with regular patrolling and quick-response teams added to the security grid through the day. Children dressed as Hanuman joined the march as it moved through the city under police escort. (newindianexpress.com) By Tuesday night, the biggest images of the day were not from a confrontation but from turnout: a bead-built idol in Ganjam and a heavily guarded procession in Sambalpur that authorities said stayed peaceful. (youtube.com) (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)