Puri’s Jagannath Temple Ready for New Year Rush

Puri:29/12/25:In preparation for the New Year celebrations and the upcoming Paush Purnima (Deva Abhisheka) from December 31, 2025, to January 3, 2026, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) conducted a crucial meeting chaired by Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee.

The meeting, attended by Puri District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida, Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh, and officials from various departments, focused on streamlining temple rituals, accelerating key nitis like Pahili Bhoga, and ensuring orderly darshan for devotees. Discussions emphasised expediting rituals starting from Dwaraphita (temple door opening) to maintain discipline. Dr Padhee sought full cooperation from servitors and officials to facilitate smooth operations.

Anticipating a massive influx of devotees, measures include proper queue management, full illumination of barricades on Bada Danda (Grand Road), drinking water facilities inside and around the temple, including the Parikrama area, enhanced crowd control, and deployment of police forces for security and convenience.

Devotees will enter only through the Singhadwara (Lion Gate) and exit via the three other gates to maintain order. Dr. Padhee urged all pilgrims to follow discipline for a blessed darshan of Lord Jagannath.

Special ritual timings were confirmed: Ratri Pahuda (night retirement ritual) at 11 PM, followed by Dwaraphita at 2 AM. On December 31 and January 1, darshan will be from outside the wooden barricades (bahara katha) to manage the expected crowd, which could exceed 2 lakh on New Year’s Day.

The administration expressed full preparedness to handle the surge, prioritising devotee safety and seamless rituals.