Bhubaneswar/ Puri, July 5: As the sacred town of Puri celebrates grand Bahuda Yatra—the return journey of the deities—renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik unveiled a captivating sand sculpture on Puri beach. The artwork, created in honor of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, adds a divine touch to the festive spirit surrounding their return from Shri Gundicha Temple to the Jagannath Temple.
The chariots—Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana—are being meticulously prepared for the ceremonial return, as thousands of devotees begin to line up along the Bada Danda (Grand Road) to witness the spiritual spectacle.
Amidst the vibrant celebrations, security arrangements are at an all-time high. Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Khurania assured smooth conduct of the festival, stating, “There is great enthusiasm among devotees. The administration has made elaborate arrangements. Around 205 platoons of police have been deployed, and senior officers are on the ground monitoring the entire setup. The entire town is under CCTV surveillance, with operations monitored from a central control room.”
Particular attention is being paid to security around the Shri Gundicha Temple, also known as the Mausi Maa Temple. Nearly 10,000 police personnel have been deployed to manage the massive crowd and ensure safety.
Puri SP Pinak Mishra also underlined the robust security setup. “We have over 10,000 police personnel deployed and eight RAF companies stationed. A huge crowd is expected, and our priority is to ensure the safety of every devotee,” he said.
With spiritual fervor and tight security hand-in-hand, Puri stands ready to welcome the divine journey home.
