Puri: In view of the massive footfall expected during the upcoming Panchuka celebrations, devotees will be allowed to enter the Shree Jagannath Temple only through the Singhadwar (Lion’s Gate), officials said on Thursday.
The decision was taken at a coordination meeting between the civil administration and police ahead of Panchuka — the last five days of the holy month of Kartik — said Puri District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida.
This year, Panchuka will be observed from November 2 to 5, when lakhs of devotees are expected to visit the 12th-century shrine.
“Currently, devotees can enter the temple through all four gates. However, during Panchuka, entry will be allowed only through the eastern gate — the Singhadwar — while exit will be facilitated through the remaining three gates,” said Parida.
To ensure smooth movement and prevent any stampede-like situation, barricades are being erected in front of the temple. A dedicated lane is also being created for Habisyalis — elderly women who observe brata (ritual fasting) throughout the month of Kartik and stay in Puri. The administration will ensure their hassle-free darshan inside the temple.
Temple servitors will be exempt from entry restrictions and may access the shrine through any gate of their choice, the collector added.
On the concluding day of Panchuka, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath will appear in their magnificent ‘Suna Besha’ (golden attire), a spectacle that draws a sea of devotees to the temple town.
The district administration has also made special crowd management arrangements at the Gopinath Temple in Sakhigopal, which witnesses heavy rush during Radha Pada Darshan on Anla Navami, observed in the Kartik month.
