With Christmas and New Year approaching, PuriSrimandir is gearing up for a significant surge in footfall, with lakhs of devotees expected to arrive for darshan of the Sibling Deities. To manage the anticipated rush and ensure smooth conduct of rituals, extensive administrative and security arrangements are being put in place along the Bada Danda and in the surrounding areas.

As part of the crowd management plan, barricades will be installed from Srinar to Market Chhak. The Srimandir administration has held detailed discussions with the district administration and other concerned agencies to streamline darshan arrangements and ensure the safety of devotees. The Director General of Police has also reviewed the preparedness, officials said.

Enhanced Security Deployment

Security has been significantly strengthened from the Srimandir up to the sea beach, keeping in view the large influx of pilgrims and tourists during the festive season. Around 60 platoons of police force, along with senior officers, will be deployed at key locations across the city.

Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh said, “A large number of tourists visit Puri during the New Year, and footfall is particularly high along the sea beach. Comprehensive arrangements have been made in coordination with the local administration, sevayats and all concerned agencies. Special emphasis is being laid on facilities for senior citizens.”

Ritual Scheduling and Devotee Facilities

Considering the expected rush, the Pahuda ritual will be observed from 11 pm on the night of December 31. A detailed set of special guidelines is being prepared for the festive period, with close coordination among servitors to ensure that rituals are conducted smoothly without disruption.

Senior servitor Rama Chandra Das Mahapatra said, “All sevayats have been sensitised and are working collectively to facilitate smooth darshan of the Sibling Deities while ensuring timely completion of rituals from December 25 till the end of January. With the cooperation of the temple and district administration, arrangements are being made so that devotees can have darshan and partake of Mahaprasad without inconvenience.”

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Officials further said that special arrangements will be made to facilitate darshan for senior citizens and persons with disabilities during the festive period.