Bhubaneswar: The Puri Police has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory in preparation for the Shreekhetra Bhaunri Yatra celebrations in Puri to ensure a smooth and safe experience for the thousands of devotees expected to converge on the city for this significant event.
The Chandan Yatra, a major festival honouring Lord Jagannath, commenced on Akshaya Tritiya and is divided into two phases: Bahara Chandan Yatra and Bhitara Chandan Yatra. During the 21-day Bahara Chandan Yatra, representative deities of Lord Jagannath, including Madan Mohan, alongwith Pancha Pandavas are taken in a grand procession to the Narendra pond, about 1.5 kilometres from the Jagannath temple. Here, they are rowed in gorgeously decorated boats amidst music, dance, and fireworks, offering devotees a divine spectacle.
To manage the anticipated influx of visitors, Puri Police have designated specific areas as no-vehicle zones. These areas include the stretch from Market Square to the exit point of Raybahadur Lane via Narendra Kona, Narendra Kona to Souchalaya Chhak, Souchalaya Chhak to Devighata Chhak, and Malena Lane to Ashya Patra Lane from the Badadanda side. These restrictions will facilitate pedestrian movement and prevent congestion around key ritual sites, including the Narendra Pokhari, where the main events of Bhaunri Yatra take place.
To further manage the traffic, diversions have been implemented for vehicles approaching from the Mangalahata side, which will be redirected from Devighata Chhak to Kumbharapada Chhak via Jatibab Chhak. This strategic diversion aims to prioritise emergency services and pedestrian access to the festival areas while minimising travel disruptions. Additionally, designated parking areas have been allocated to accommodate the increased number of vehicles.
Vehicles coming from Market Square will be directed to park at JBPC and Municipal Parking, while those from Mangalahata will be guided to park under Srisetu Bridge near Bisweshwari Chhaka. These measures are designed to ensure a smooth and organised flow of traffic during the festivities.
