Puri Jagannath Temple Implements Special Arrangements for Smooth Darshan During New Year Celebrations

In anticipation of the New Year celebrations, extensive preparations have been made in Puri to manage the influx of devotees and tourists. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and local police have coordinated efforts to ensure smooth movement within the area. Entry for darshan at the 12th-century temple will be restricted to the Singhadwar Lions gate, while exits are arranged through the other three gates.

General devotees must use only the Singhadwar for entry, but servitors and their families can use any gate. SJTA chief administrator Arabinda Padhee stated, "We seek everyone's cooperation for the smooth implementation of this arrangement for the orderly darshan of Mahaprabhu Lord Jagannath." This system will be in place on December 31 and January 1.

Security Measures and Crowd Management

The Puri district administration and police have implemented comprehensive security measures. Barricades stretch from Singhadwar to Market Square to facilitate organised temple entry. DIG Central Charan Singh Meena announced that 60 platoons, each comprising 30 personnel, will manage crowds over these two days.

Additionally, at least 10 additional SPs, 33 DSPs, 62 inspectors, and 245 sub-inspectors and assistant SIs will assist in crowd control. Two police teams will be stationed inside the temple, with special anti-snatching units on duty. Traffic management and parking facilities are also prepared for visitors arriving from various locations.

Additional Safety Precautions

Vehicle checks have commenced at Puri's entry points and within the town. A special outpost on the sea beach will monitor tourist activities. Despite these measures, around 10 devotees experienced fainting spells due to overcrowding inside the temple. Among them were four students who were hospitalised but later discharged.

Meena highlighted that traffic arrangements are in place to accommodate the influx of visitors. The police have also set up designated parking areas to ease congestion. These efforts aim to ensure a safe and orderly experience for all attending the celebrations.

The collaborative efforts between SJTA and law enforcement aim to provide a seamless experience for devotees during this festive period. With strategic planning and robust security measures, authorities hope to maintain order while accommodating large crowds at this significant religious site.