Bhubaneswar: Days after stampede deaths, stringent security measures have been put in place for smooth conduct of Bahuda Yatra on Saturday, as the sibling deities return to Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, after their nine-day annual sojourn.
For effective crowd management and to ensure no untoward incident takes place, 6,000 state police officers and 800 personnel of the CAPFs have been deployed in the pilgrim town. “We have taken all possible measures to ensure the festival concludes smoothly,” DGP Y B Khurania, who is camping in Puri along with senior police officers, told reporters.
Three persons died and over 50 were injured in a stampede at Saradhabali near Shree Gundicha Temple on June 29 amid the festivities.
Over 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor the crowd. Special traffic measures are being implemented in anticipation of a huge turnout of devotees due to favourable weather.
According to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the deities’ ‘pahandi’ procession is scheduled for 12 pm. Gajapati Maharaja Divyasingha Deb, Puri’s titular king, will conduct the ‘Chhera Pahanra’ ritual, ceremonially sweeping the chariots, between 2.30 pm and 3.30 pm.The chariot-pulling ceremony will begin at 4 pm.
Here is the complete schedule:
Mangala Alati: 4 am
Mailam: 4.15 am
Tadapa Lagi: 4.30 am
Rosha Homa: 4.30 am
Abakasha: 5 am
Surya Puja: 5.15 am
Dwarapala Puja: 5.30 am
Besha Sesha: 5.30 am
Gopala Ballabha and Sakala Dhupa: 5.45 am to 6.45 am
Senapata Lagi: 7 am to 11.30 am
Mangalarpana: 11.45 am
Bahuda Pahandi: 12 pm to 2.30 pm
Besha Sesha: 1 pm to 2.30 pm
Chhera Pahara: 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm
Charamala Phita, Godha Jocha: 3 pm to 4 pm
Pulling of Chariots: 4 pm