As lakhs of devotees gather in Puri for the revered Suna Besha ritual of Lord Jagannath, Odisha Police has issued a critical traffic and parking advisory to manage the massive inflow on Sunday.
The once-a-year spectacle, where Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are adorned in golden attire atop their chariots outside the Srimandir, has drawn pilgrims from across Odisha and beyond.
With vehicle congestion building at key entry points such as Batagaon and Malatipatpur, police have temporarily suspended vehicle segregation based on prior passes. Waiting times at entry points have stretched up to an hour, and pilgrims are being urged to remain patient and plan accordingly.
Most designated parking areas are already full, and only Talabania and Sterling zones are offering limited space. Devotees are advised to verify parking availability before proceeding toward the temple zone.
Large-scale deployment of security and traffic personnel is in place to maintain order and facilitate smooth darshan. The administration has appealed for public cooperation with officials as crowd density is expected to increase throughout the day.
The Suna Besha is one of the most visually and spiritually significant events of the Rath Yatra, and authorities are taking all measures to ensure a safe and organized experience for all devotees.