Special Arrangements Amid Huge Rush Of Devotees At Puri Jagannath Temple Ahead Of New Year

Puri: With a large number of devotees from across Odisha and outside thronging the Jagannath Temple in Puri to seek the blessings of the Lords ahead of the New Year, the authorities have made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth darshan at the shrine.

The seaside pilgrim town is already witnessing huge rush of devotees who are visiting the 12th century shrine to offer prayers before the sibling deities before welcoming 2024.

In view of the rush at the shrine, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has taken a host of measures to ensure hassle-free darshan for the devotees.

Sources said arrangements have been made by the police to control the huge crown of devotees. As part of the special measures, CCTV cameras have been installed outside the temple with barricades.

While security has been tightened, special police personnel, home guards and lifeguards have been deployed for tourists, especially near the beach. Necessary steps are also being taken put in place a proper queue management to ensure smooth movement of devotees and hassle-free darshan for the devotees visiting the Temple.

Special security arrangements have also been made on the sea beach to prevent drowning incidents as the chances of such mishaps are high on such occasions.

Meanwhile, darshan by devotees and conduct of rituals at the 12th century shrine were affected on Monday due to dense fog. While the door opening ritual was delayed, other morning rituals were also affected in the temple on Monday, sources said.