Puri, Nov 11 (Representative) Thousands of devotees, especially Kartik Brata observers and those who could not observe the month-long ritual, have gathered in Puri to observe the last five days of the month, popularly known as Panchuka, which is considered highly auspicious. This year, according to the temple almanac, the five days of Panchuka have been reduced to four. During these final days, the deities of the Trinity take on new veshas (attires). The Sri Jagannath Temple Administration has made special arrangements, including rescheduling daily rites and rituals, to facilitate the increased number of devotees seeking darshan. Puri District Magistrate Sidharth Shankar Swain informed the media that Panchuka began on Monday. With Panchuka shortened to four days, there has been a significant rush of devotees. Devotees are allowed to enter through the Simhadwar (main gate) and exit through the other three gates. “Elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure the ritual is hassle- and incident-free,” he said. Sun shades and coverings with fans have been installed along the Badadanda to protect devotees from the scorching sun. Firefighters have been stationed to sprinkle water on devotees and the road to cool the area. In addition, volunteers are distributing drinking water to devotees waiting in line.
Barricades have been set up, starting from the municipal market square, and Badadanda has been declared a no-vehicle zone, the District Magistrate added. A large number of lifeguards and firefighters have also 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 last day of Panchuka, known as Kartik Purnima. Early in the morning, priests performed the daily rituals of the deities, including Mangal Arati, Abakash, Mailum, Tadap Laagi, Surya Puja, and Rosahoma, and offered Balabhog and Gopal Bhog. Afterward, the deities were adorned in Harihar Vesha. Approximately 30 platoons of police personnel, along with senior officers, have been deployed to ensure the ritual is conducted safely and smoothly.