Sakhigopal in Puri gears up for ‘Anla Navami’ festivities; 11-lane barricades for crowd control

Devotional fervour has gripped Sakhigopal in Puri district as the temple town prepares for the auspicious Anla Navami festival, to be celebrated tomorrow. Elaborate arrangements have been made at the Gopaljew Temple in Sakhigopal, where thousands of devotees are expected to throng for sacred Radha Pada darshan.

Also Read: Entry via Singhadwara, exit through three gates: Special arrangements for Panchuka at Puri Srimandir

The special ritual, beginning at 5.00 AM, will continue till late at night, allowing devotees to have a glimpse of Maa Radharani’s Odiani Besha (attire) and Pada darshan (a unique ritual of feet worship). The temple management has erected 11-lane barricades to ensure smooth and disciplined movement of devotees during the day-long event.

On this occasion, a separate queue system has also been made at the Jagannath Temple in Puri for pilgrims visiting during the Panchuka period. Devotees will be allowed entry only through the Singhadwar (Lions’ gate), while exit arrangements have been made through the three other gates to maintain order and safety.

With vibrant decorations, devotional chants, and tight security, the Sakhigopal shrine is all set to welcome devotees for one of the most spiritually significant days in the Hindu calendar.

“Devotees will be able to have darshan of the deities early in the morning, right from 5.00 AM, which will continue as part of the ritual throughout the day. We have done 11-lane barricading at the shrine, keeping in mind the expected rush of devotees,” Puri Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida said to OTV when contacted.

“Similarly, in view of the Panchuka festival, devotees will enter Jagannath Temple through the Singhadwar and will exit through three other gates,” the District Collector added.

Reported By: Amar Satpathy