Puri, Oct 28: Ahead of the sacred Panchuka period, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has begun preparations to manage heavy devotee turnout and ensure smooth darshan and Mahaprasad arrangements.

As part of the plan, devotees will enter only through the Singhadwara and exit through the other three gates. District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida said measures like barricading up to Marichikot Square, information centres, traffic control, and medical aid units are being set up.

This year, Panchuka will be observed for four days instead of five, with special beshas of the deities from November 2 to 5, ending with the Suna Besha on Kartik Purnima.

Senior sevayat Jagannath Pujapanda said discussions are underway to simplify temple rituals and extend darshan time. The administration is also framing a special darshan plan for habishyalis, women, children, and senior citizens.