In view of the Shobha Yatra being organised to mark the birth anniversary of Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki on October 6, the Jalandhar Traffic Police have issued a detailed traffic advisory and announced diversions across 22 key points in the city. Thousands of devotees are expected to join the annual religious procession, which will pass through major city routes, prompting authorities to restrict public traffic movement from 9am to 10pm.
According to officials, the procession will begin from the Bhagwan Valmiki Temple in Ali Mohalla and traverse through several important junctions including Bhagwan Valmiki Chowk, Luv Kush Chowk (Milap Chowk), Shaheed Bhagat Singh Chowk, Panjpir Chowk, Khingra Gate, Adda Hoshiarpur Chowk, Adda Tanda, Mai Hira Gate, Sheetla Mata Temple, Bhagwan Valmiki Gate, Patel Chowk, Sabzi Mandi, and Basti Adda, before concluding at the same temple in Ali Mohalla.
The entire route of the Shobha Yatra will remain closed to public and private vehicles throughout the day. To maintain smooth traffic flow in other parts of the city, traffic diversions will be enforced at 22 major points, including Nakodar Chowk, Skylark Chowk, Parinda Chowk near State Bank of India, PNB Chowk, Press Club Chowk, Namdev Chowk, Shastri Chowk, Mor Pratap Bagh, Mor Henry Petrol Pump, Bhagat Singh Chowk, Adda Hoshiarpur One-Way, Ikhari Puli, Hoshiarpur Railway Gate, Tanda Chowk, Tanda Railway Gate, T-Point Gopal Nagar, Old Sabzi Mandi Chowk, Mahalaxmi Narayan Temple, near Old Jail, Patel Chowk, Basti Adda Chowk, T-Point Shakti Nagar, and Football Chowk.
Traffic Police officials have urged commuters to avoid the Yatra route and surrounding areas during the procession hours to prevent congestion and delays. They have also advised residents to plan their travel in advance and use alternate routes as indicated on the diversion maps displayed across the city.
“Public cooperation is essential to ensure that both the religious procession and city traffic move smoothly. Emergency vehicles will be given priority access, and on-ground personnel will be stationed at all major points to guide commuters,” a Traffic Police spokesperson said.
Commuters seeking route clarification or assistance can reach the Traffic Police Helpline at 0181-2227296.
The district administration has appealed to citizens to remain patient, follow diversions diligently, and extend support to the authorities managing one of Jalandhar’s largest annual religious events.