With widespread enthusiasm marking the arrival of the New Year, a massive influx of devotees from across Odisha and other states is expected in Puri, as thousands plan to begin the year with the darshan of Lord Jagannath and His Siblings at the Srimandir. In view of the anticipated heavy footfall, elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure smooth crowd movement, devotee safety, and seamless darshan management in the pilgrim town.
As per the finalized schedule, thePahudaof Lord Jagannath will be observed at11 pm on Wednesday night, following which theDwaraphita ritualwill take place at2 am. Darshan for devotees will commence thereafter, with authorities prepared for continuous crowd movement from the early hours of the New Year.
To manage the expected surge of pilgrims, extensive security arrangements have been put in place. Entry into the Srimandir will be permitted only through theSinghadwara, while devotees will exit through the remaining three gates to ensure smooth crowd dispersal. Barricading has been extended up toMarket Chhakto regulate movement and prevent congestion.
Over70 platoons of security personnelhave been deployed across Puri for effective crowd and traffic management. The entire town will remain under constant surveillance, with152 CCTV cameras installed inside the Srimandirand192 cameras covering the outer areas, ensuring round-the-clock monitoring.
Strict vehicle checks have been enforced at all entry points to the town, with special focus on traffic regulation and parking management. Devotees arriving fromBrahmagirihave been advised to proceed towardsSterling Chhak via Mangalaghat Chhak and Omkareswar Temple, and park their vehicles atJatrika Parking near the sea beach. Government-arranged transport services and autorickshaws will be available from these parking zones to ferry pilgrims closer to the temple.
Those coming fromKonarkhave been advised to park their vehicles atTalabania Parking, Helipad Parking, or ITI Parkingafter reachingGrid Station Chhak via Bhudan Chhak. Both government and private buses will operate from these designated points.
Devotees travelling fromCuttack–Bhubaneswarhave been directed to use theBatagaon New Bypass, with parking facilities arranged atMedical Chhak Parking, Jagannath Ballav Parking, and Old Jagannath Ballav Parking.
Two-wheeler riders may follow the same designated routes as four-wheelers, with primary parking facilities atOld Jagannath Ballav Parking. Additional parking spaces have also been arranged atMedical ChhakandMunicipality Parkingto accommodate the heavy rush.
In view of increased footfall along the coastline, special safety measures have been implemented atPuri beach. A large number of lifeguards have been deployed, along with300 home guard lifeguards, to ensure the safety of visitors and prevent any untoward incidents during the New Year celebrations.
