Bhubaneswar: The Panchuka festival, beginning November 12, expects a massive influx of devotees to the 12th-century shrine. In a bid to ensure seamless darshan for devotees during Panchuka, the district administration has come up with extensive security arrangements.
“Thirty-eight platoons, five additional Superintendents of Police (SPs), 14 DSPs, and 26 inspectors will maintain law and order. Besides, barriers will be erected at Marichikota, and traffic control measures intensified”, said Puri Superintendent of Police Vinit Agrawal.
The district administration, temple administration and police are teaming up to ensure a smooth and safe experience for devotees visiting the shrine during Kartik Purnima. Barricades will be extended to Marichikota to manage crowds, and traffic will be strategically diverted. That apart, intensified patrolling and multi-layered surveillance will be in place. An additional 20 platoons of police will be deployed at Sakhigopal as part of security measures.
It is pertinent to mention that Panchuka is a five-day period of spiritual observance and cultural tradition in Odisha that marks the end of the sacred Kartika month. During the Kartika month, considered the most auspicious time in the Odia calendar, many Odias abstain from consuming non-vegetarian food. This period, typically between October and November, is revered for its spiritual significance. For those unable to observe the entire month, the last five days, known as Panchuka, hold great importance.
