Puri bedecked for New Year; 8 lakh devotees expected to have darshan of Lords; 60 platoon police deployed

Puri, 31/12: Puri pilgrim city has been bedecked to greet the New Year. The darshan will start from today midnight. The Jagannath temple's periphery wears a new look with greenery, while the Grand Road has been illuminated with colourful light. The Temple Administration has made arrangements to accommodate expected 8 lakh devotees. Sixty platoons of police will be deployed in the pilgrim city for this reason. {"id":22902,"sizeSlug":"large"} The door of the 12th Jagannath temple will open at 12.30 am to enable lakhs of devotees to have a glimpse of Lord Jagannatth and his siblings. For this, the Lords will go to bed at 10 pm tonight. {"id":22903,"sizeSlug":"large"} The devotees will go inside in 10 barricaded rows after crossing the door frame metal detectors. New system has been put in place for the washing of feet of the devotees. {"id":22905,"sizeSlug":"large"} Temporary barricades have been erected up to Market Chhak to accommodate lakhs of devotees who will enter the Singhadwar (Lion's gate) through barricades. They will come out through another three doors on North, South and West. The beautification works around the sprawling temple complex and the new arrangements for darshan has been lauded by various dignitaries including Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. {"id":22900,"width":544,"height":363,"sizeSlug":"large"} On the other hand, a huge rush of tourists is being witnessed on the sea beach, which is expected to be more tomorrow on New Year. Hotels and lodges have been packed with tourists.