The Puri district administration has made adequate arrangements for a large number of visitors expected to throng the city to have Darshan of the Trinity, Lord Jagannath, Lold Balabhadra and Devi Subhada, in the Shreemandir on occasion of New Year on Wednesday.
The temple’s surroundings, ‘Bada Danda’ and newly-built shed for visitors have been well decorated with lights and flowers.
Loud speakers have been installed at the shed near the temple to air devotional songs for devotees.
As many as 60 platoons of police force and 800 police officers have been deployed to maintain law and order in the pilgrim town. Sources said tight security would remain in force from Monday evening till 2 pm on Thursday. This apart, police personnel will keep a round-the-clock vigil on the railway station, Grand Road and sea beach.
As per reports, ‘Pahuda’ ritual would be carried out at 12 am on January 1. Mangala Alati ritual would be performed at 1 am followed by ‘rosahoma’ at 4 am. ‘Mailama’ and ‘Tadapa lagi’ at 4.30 am, Abakasha at 5.15 am. Priests would perform Surya Puja at 5.45 am, ‘Dwarapala Puja’ at 6 am and ‘Besha sesha’ at 6.30 am.
‘Madhyana Dhupa’ is scheduled to be held from 11 am till 12.30 pm on January 1. Mahaprasad would be availed by 11 am.
A traffic advisory issued by the district police said that passenger buses coming from Bhubaneswar and Konark sides would use regular route to reach the Municipality Bus Stand. But buses coming from Brahmagiri side would be allowed till Jatia Babaji Chhak.
Inter-State/tourist buses coming from Bhubaneswar and Konark sides via ROB would park at the Malatipatpur Bus Terminal. Tourists can avail mini-buses/auto-rickshaws for Puri and those intending to go Satapada would avail by-pass road from Batagaon to Mangalaghat road.
Heavy and medium vehicles would not be allowed to enter Puri town on December 31 and January 1.
Four wheelers coming from Bhubaneswar side will be parked at Jagannath Ballav and Old Jail parking sites. If required, they would be parked on both sides of Grand Road from Badasankha to Gundicha Mandir.
The four wheelers coming from Brahmagiri side will be parked at Flourish India parking place near Mangala Ghat.
Two wheelers would be allowed for parking at Market Chhak, Mochi Sahi and Nilachala Ashoka. In no circumstances, two wheelers will be allowed to proceed towards Lion Gate beyond Market Chhaka.