People take part in the last edition of Raahgiri in Bhubaneswar.

The continuing monsoon has forced the administration to suspend Raahgiri celebrations till Gandhi Jayanti on October 2. The Telegraph had, on July 13, reported the temporary monsoon-time suspension of Raahgiri, quoting mayor Ananta Narayan Jena.

However, the plan was later amended and one more Raahgiri was held on July 17 to celebrate Rasgulla Day.

Jena had recently told The Telegraph that it was getting difficult for the organisers as well as the citizens to organise and attend the event due to the rain.

The suspension of the Sunday event was officially announced today at a news conference called by tourism and culture minister Ashok Chandra Panda. "We have decided to suspend the Raahgiri celebrations for the monsoon. The next Raahgiri will be celebrated on October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti)," said Panda.

When Bhubaneswar sizzled in scorching heat during the summer, the authorities had thought of suspending Raahgiri. But, the plan was later axed. And the celebrations later continued though its duration was cut short by an hour.

The event, which started on January 17, recently completed 27 weeks. Raahgiri, meant to promote non-motorised transport, is held on the stretch of Janpath between Ram Mandir Square and Master Canteen Square.

The event is organised in collaboration with the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Bhubaneswar Development Authority, state culture department, police and a few voluntary organisations. Sources said the footfall at the event had decreased on last few Sundays owing to the rain.

Text by Sandeep Mishra, picture by Sanjib Mukherjee