Cuttack, the millennium city of Odisha famed for its historic charm and vibrant Durga Puja celebrations, is now at a tense standstill. Following violent clashes between two communities during a Durga idol immersion procession, the Odisha government has imposed a 36-hour curfew and suspended internet services across major parts of the city. Streets that were thronged with devotees just days ago now lie deserted, guarded by security forces and flashing barricades.
The trouble began late on Friday night in the Dargha Bazaar area, when a local dispute over loud music during an immersion procession spiralled out of control. What started as verbal altercations quickly escalated into stone-pelting and bottle-throwing from rooftops, injuring several people, including senior police officials. Vehicles and roadside stalls were vandalised, and panic spread through the densely populated lanes of the old city.
Authorities initially managed to restore calm, but tensions flared up again on Sunday. A motorcycle rally organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), despite administrative disapproval, triggered fresh clashes. As police attempted to stop the rally from entering sensitive zones, protesters reportedly turned violent, leading to more stone-pelting and fires at multiple locations near Gouri Shankar Park. Police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. By evening, at least 25 people, including police personnel, had been injured in the renewed violence.
In an urgent move to curb the violence, the Odisha government declared a 36-hour curfew starting 10 PM on Sunday across 13 police station areas, including Dargah Bazaar, Mangalabag, Purighat, Lal Bagh, Bidanasi, and Jagatpur. Simultaneously, internet and social media services, including WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Instagram, were suspended for 24 hours, from 7 PM Sunday to 7 PM Monday, across the Cuttack Municipal Corporation and surrounding regions.
Officials cited the circulation of “provocative and inflammatory messages” online as the reason for the digital blackout, aiming to prevent rumours from inflaming the situation further. Meanwhile, over 10,000 participants reportedly joined the VHP rally that sparked Sunday’s violence, prompting the organisation to call for a 12-hour bandh on Monday, coinciding with the curfew already in effect.
Security presence in the city has since been intensified, with ten companies of police and Rapid Action Force personnel conducting flag marches in high-tension areas. Fire services remain on standby after reports of arson at several spots on Sunday evening.
For travellers, Cuttack currently remains off-limits until the curfew is lifted and normalcy returns. All movement, including on foot and by vehicle, has been restricted within the curfew zones. Tourist attractions such as the iconic Barabati Fort, Netaji Birthplace Museum, and nearby silver filigree markets are temporarily inaccessible. Local transportation services, including auto-rickshaws and intercity buses, have been suspended in affected areas.
Travellers planning to visit Cuttack or nearby Bhubaneswar in the coming days are advised to:
Avoid non-essential travel to Cuttack until official restrictions are lifted.
Check local advisories and news updates before making any bookings or entering the city.
Exercise caution in neighbouring areas, as security checks have been heightened along the Cuttack-Bhubaneswar corridor.
Keep digital copies of travel documents and emergency contacts handy, given the temporary internet suspension.
As Odisha’s second-largest city works to restore calm, senior leaders across parties have urged residents to maintain peace and communal harmony. Police have arrested several individuals and are analysing CCTV and drone footage to identify others involved in the violence.
1. Why is Cuttack under curfew?
Communal clashes during Durga Puja idol immersion left 25 injured, prompting a 36-hour curfew.
2. Which areas are affected?
Thirteen zones including Dargah Bazaar, Mangalabag, Purighat, Lal Bagh, Bidanasi, and Jagatpur.
3. Is the internet down?
Yes, mobile and broadband services, plus social media apps, are suspended for 24 hours.
4. Can tourists visit?
No, all movement is restricted; major attractions, markets, and transport are closed.
5. What should travellers do?
Avoid non-essential travel, follow local advisories, and keep documents and emergency contacts handy.