Sea of devotees throng Puri Srimandir to seek blessings of Lord Jagannath on first day of New Year 2025

The famed 'Bada Danda' (Grand Road) in the holy city of Puri turned into a sea filled with devotees as thousands converged upon Srimandir to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath as the New Year 2025 begins. The Grand Road, leading up to the 12th-century shrine, transformed into a bustling thoroughfare of worshippers. 

Devotees in large numbers made a beeline to get a glimpse of the Holy Trinity on the auspicious occasion of the first day of the English calendar on Wednesday. To ensure hassle-free darshan, the ‘dwara phita’ ritual was conducted at 12:30 midnight and the temple gates were opened for devotees. 

Anticipating a huge flow of devotees, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) authorities already put in place extensive arrangements to accommodate the influx of visitors. Strict measures including barricades were extended to Market Square, allowing for orderly and unobstructed access to the temple. 

Traffic regulations were meticulously planned, and parking arrangements were organised separately to manage the flow of vehicles into the city. 

Visiting Puri Today?

Devotees visiting Puri today should know that the local police have implemented special measures to ensure the safety and smooth movement of the visiting throngs. While the devotees can gain entry through the Singhadwara, a ‘No Vehicle Zone’ has been declared from Market Square to the temple. 

With tourists from in and outside Odisha flocking, as many as 60 platoons of police forces have been deployed to maintain law and order situation. 

Meanwhile, a dedicated traffic system is in place for vehicles arriving in Puri.