Odisha’s Director General of Police (DGP), Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, visited the Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri on Sunday to assess the situation following a chaotic stampede-like scenario outside the temple on the first day of the Panchuka festival.
Accompanied by key officials, including Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Padhee, District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida, Central Range DIG Satyajit Naik, and Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh, the DGP conducted a comprehensive review to ensure smooth operations for the remaining three days of the festival.
The visit came in response to the massive influx of devotees on the opening day, where lakhs gathered to witness Lord Jagannath in his Laxmi Narayan besha (attire). Darshan (viewing of the deity) extended until 11:30 PM to accommodate the crowds, highlighting the immense devotion and turnout. However, the surge led to overcrowding outside the temple, prompting immediate action from authorities.
During the inspection, the team focused on enhancing orderly darshan for devotees, effective crowd control, and robust security measures both inside and outside the temple premises. To manage the flow better, additional barricades were extended from Market Chhak to Bagala Dharamshala, aiming to improve traffic movement and prevent bottlenecks.
SJTA Chief Administrator Dr. Padhee emphasised the need for discipline among pilgrims, urging them to enter solely through the Singhadwar (Lion Gate) and exit via the other three gates. He specifically requested devotees not to re-exit through Singhadwar and to avoid the protocol road and galabata areas to prevent further congestion. “We witnessed an impossible crowd on Sunday, the first day of Panchuka,” Dr. Padhee stated, appealing to all to follow the rules for a safe and structured experience.
The DGP’s review underscores the state police’s commitment to maintaining a peaceful and secure environment for pilgrims during this significant religious event, ensuring that the festivities proceed without disruptions.
