Puri: With the sacred Debasnana Purnima (Snana Yatra) scheduled for Monday (June 29), the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), district administration, and police have finalised comprehensive preparations to facilitate the timely conduct of rituals and manage an expected massive turnout of lakhs of devotees.
This annual bathing festival of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Sudarshan marks a key precursor to the grand Rath Yatra.
The Chhatisa Nijog, Niti sub-committee, and Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee have approved the detailed ritual schedule. SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee emphasised that a standard operating procedure (SOP) has been put in place to ensure seamless execution of key events, including the Pahandi procession, Chera Panhara (sweeping ritual), and Hati Besha (elephant attire).
In preparation for the sacred bathing ceremony and associated rituals, including a highly secretive and protective armor-adornment Senapata Lagi, the 12th-century shrine remained closed for devotees till 1 pm on Sunday.
Ritual Schedule and Traditions
On Snana Purnima, the deities will be brought out from the sanctum sanctorum in a ceremonial Pahandi procession to the Snana Mandapa (bathing altar) for public viewing and the sacred bath. Water drawn from the temple’s sacred Suna Kua (Golden Well) near Shitala Devi temple will be carried in 108 copper pots, purified with aromatic herbs, sandalwood, camphor, and saffron. The distribution includes 35 pots for Lord Jagannath, 33 for Lord Balabhadra, 22 for Devi Subhadra, and 18 for Lord Sudarshan.
Following the bath, the deities will adorn the majestic Hati Besha (Gajanana Vesha), representing Lord Ganesha. A special ramp has been constructed in front of Snana Mandap to aid the proceedings. Public darshan will be temporarily suspended for certain periods due to rituals like Senapata Lagi but will resume in the evening.
Key Timings (Monday)
Pahandi: Between 5 am and 7 am.
Rajajnitya & Chera Pahanra (Gajapati Maharaja’s ceremonial sweeping): 3 pm to 3:30 pm.
Hati Besha: 4 pm to 5 pm.
Sahana Mela (Public Darshan): 7 pm to 9:30 pm.
Bahuda Pahandi: Return procession after removal of Hati Besha.
Devotee Movement and Temple Access
Devotees will enter the shrine exclusively through the Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate) and exit via the other three gates to ensure one-way flow. Those holding Pahandi tickets can enter via the southern gate (Dakshina Dwara) in the morning. A strict one-way queue system will start from Market Chhak toward the Lion’s Gate.
Robust Security and Crowd Management
Puri Police have implemented a detailed six-point action plan focusing on crowd management, traffic regulation, VIP security, pilgrim assistance, emergency response, disaster preparedness, and inter-agency coordination. Deployment begins from Sunday night and includes around four commandants/SP-rank officers, 14 additional SPs/deputy commandants, 31 DSPs, 83 inspectors, 360 SIs/ASIs, and 79 platoons of state police.
Advanced measures include quick action teams, sniffer dog squads, rooftop surveillance, anti-sabotage checks, and monitoring via the Integrated Command and Control Centre. Over 400 CCTV cameras (152 inside the temple, 252 along the Parikrama, and 30 on barricades) will track crowd movement.
Several stretches around the temple, including Market Chhak to Jagabalia Lodge, Dolabedi Kona, and areas near the Grand Road (Badadanda), have been declared no-vehicle zones. Strategic parking has been arranged for vehicles from Bhubaneswar, Brahmagiri, and tourists near Zilla School and other designated spots. Traffic diversions and regulated routes aim to minimize congestion.
Help desks, medical centres, police control rooms, and dedicated support for senior citizens, women, children, and differently-abled persons will operate throughout.
The district administration has urged devotees to maintain discipline and cooperate for a peaceful festival.
Lead-Up to Rath Yatra
After Snana Yatra, the deities will undergo the Anasara period of rest and renovation before re-emerging for the chariot festival, symbolising renewal and devotion.
The Centre has approved 10 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) — including RAF, CRPF, and BSF — for the upcoming Rath Yatra, with the state requesting additional forces. State police will supplement with around 200 platoons.
