Devotees Throng To Puri For Kartika Purnima Festivities

Puri: With Kartika Purnima festivities gripping the entire State today, the holy town of Puri is not far behind. Thousands of devotees descended to Puri not only set sail tiny boats in the sea but also pay obeisance to the holy trinity in Rajadhiraja or Rajarajeswar suna besa.

Since wee hours today devotees were seen to standing in a queue to enter the Srimandir and get a chance to see Lords Jagannath and Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra in special suna besa (decorated with gold ornaments.

Speaking on the special preparations for the Kartika Purnima, Puri SP Dr Umashankar Dash said, “We are expecting a better footfall than last year. In addition to last year’s preparations, we have added drinking water kiosks, extra shoe stands and proper barricades for crowd management. 40 platoon force with 100 officers have been deployed, who will be working in four shifts. The deployment has been in force since 4 am today and will continue till the festivities are over.”

Paying special attention to Boita Bandana on Puri and Konark sea beaches, he said, “We are working in sync with resident fisherfolks, lifeguards and home guards.”