Puri Srimandir sees massive rush of devotees ahead of New Year 2025

Devotees in large numbers made a beeline outside the Puri Srimandir to get a glimpse of Holy Trinity on the occasion of the last day of English calendar on Tuesday. The 12th century shrine is also expected to witness a huge turnout of devotees on the first day of the New Year on Wednesday.

To ensure smooth and hassle-free darshan for the devotees, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has implemented strict measures, including barricades extending up to Market Square. 

While the devotees can gain entry into the 12th century shrine only through the Singhadwara today and tomorrow, a ‘No Vehicle Zone’ has been declared from Market Square to the temple for these two days.

With devotees from in and outside Odisha have started flocking to the pilgrim town, as many as 60 platoons of police forces have been deployed to maintain law and order situation. Similarly, a dedicated traffic system is in place for vehicles arriving in Puri.

Also Read: Puri police tighten security arrangements for New Year 2025 celebrations

“The arrangements have been made to ensure that every devotee visiting Srimandir should have a darshan of Lord Jagannath. We have decided to perform ‘Pahuda’ ritual by 11 pm tonight and open Singhadwara at 1 am,” said Rama Chandra Das Mohapatra, a senior servitor.

“We will try to perform ‘Pahuda’ ritual as soon as possible. As per the ritual, the ‘Dwara Phita Niti’ will be performed. We are hopeful that all the rituals of the Holy Trinity will be performed in a timely manner so that devotees can have a proper darshan,” said Jitendra Kumar Sahoo, administrator (Niti), SJTA.

Read More: Tight security arrangements in Puri ahead of New Year rush; check traffic advisory

Parking Arrangements

Vehicles arriving from Bhubaneswar will have designated parking on Jail Road while those from Konark sides will be parked at Talabania. Visitors from Brahmagiri area need to use parking facilities at Sterling or Yatrika. To maintain a smooth traffic movement, no four-wheelers will be allowed from Medical Square to the Jagannath Temple and the beach with Market Square being declared a vehicle-free zone.