Thousands throng in Puri for Panchuka

Puri, Nov 12:  Thousands of devotees, particularly those observing the Kartik Brata and those who missed the month-long rituals, have converged to participate in the final days of Panchuka, a period regarded as highly auspicious. This year, however, the duration of Panchuka has been shortened from five days to four, according to the temple almanac.

During these concluding days, the deities of the Trinity are dressed in new veshas (attires). To accommodate the influx of worshippers, the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration has implemented special arrangements, including the rescheduling of daily rites and rituals.

The shortened Panchuka has led to a significant increase in devotees. They are allowed to enter through the Simhadwar (main gate) and exit via the other three gates. To ensure a smooth and safe experience, elaborate measures have been established, including sun shades and fans along the Badadanda to shield attendees from the intense heat. Firefighters have been stationed to sprinkle water on the devotees and the road, providing some relief from the sweltering temperatures. Additionally, volunteers are actively distributing drinking water to those waiting in line.

Barricades have been erected starting from the municipal market square, and Badadanda has been declared a no-vehicle zone to facilitate foot traffic.

A significant presence of lifeguards and firefighters has been deployed along the five-kilometer stretch of Mahodadhi, from Chakra Tirth to Swargdwar, to prevent drowning incidents, as many devotees are expected to take a holy dip in the sea on the final day of Panchuka, known as Kartik Purnima.

In the early morning, priests conducted the daily rituals for the deities, including Mangal Arati, Abakash, Mailum, Tadap Laagi, Surya Puja, and Rosahoma, and offered Balabhog and Gopal Bhog. Following these rituals, the deities were adorned in Harihar Vesha. Approximately 30 platoons of police personnel, along with senior officers, have been deployed to ensure that the rituals proceed safely and smoothly.