In anticipation of the heavy rush of devotees for Suna Besha, the Puri district police have made extensive arrangements for traffic management and crowd control. The advisory aims to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all attendees of the mega religious event on Wednesday.
Traffic Management Plan
To manage the flow of devotees, a one-way entry system has been implemented. Devotees will enter through barricades starting from Market Crossing. They will proceed towards Lions Gate, passing in front of Goinka Dharamshala, Marchikote, and Radha Ballav Math. They will then turn right by Nandighosh Rath, move in front of all three chariots for darshan, and exit between Aruna Stambh and Taladwaja Rath, returning to Market Crossing via the western side of Grand Road.
Diversion Routes
Devotees approaching from different directions will be diverted to maintain orderly movement:
Eastern Side: Devotees from Netaji Crossing to Subash Crossing, including Dola Mandap Sahi Road, Marchikote Lane, Labanikhia Chhak, and Chudapati Lane, will be diverted to VIP Road. They will then reach Market Crossing to enter the barricades.
Western Side: Devotees from Brahmagiri Side, Mangalaghata, Markandeswar Sahi, Mishra Sahi, Chudangasahi, and Hadagodia Sahi will be diverted to Market Crossing via Jagannath Ballav, Shani Temple Lane, and Shree Krushna Cinema Lane.
Back Side of Temple: Devotees from Bali Sahi, Dhana Kuti Sahi, Mani Kankika Sahi, Harachandi Sahi, Baseli Sahi, and Lokanath Road will follow routes through Kakudikhai, Ganduachaura, and Market Crossing to enter the barricades.
Signage and Helpline
Signboards have been placed at key locations to help devotees navigate. Additionally, a 24×7 helpline has been set up with the numbers 112, 6370967100, and 6370972100 available for assistance.
Safety Measures
Puri SP Pinak Mishra emphasized that cross-flow will not be allowed to prevent stampede risks. The police have identified pressure points to manage the crowd efficiently. Mishra urged devotees to cooperate with the police to ensure a hassle-free event.
Expected Footfall
Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain noted that the administration expects a larger turnout than the previous year, which saw around 10 lakh devotees. Accordingly, arrangements have been made to accommodate the increased number of attendees. By implementing these measures, the Puri police aim to provide a safe and orderly experience for all devotees participating in the Suna Besha festivities.
Unique Traditions of Baripada’s Rath Yatra
Baripada’s Rath Yatra, Odisha’s second Srikshetra, features unique traditions that draw large crowds. One of the most notable events is Suna Besha, a highlight of the festival. Unlike in Puri, where Suna Besha occurs after the Bahuda Yatra, Baripada’s Suna Besha takes place just before the Bahuda Yatra. This timing, called Dwarika Besha, makes Baripada’s celebration unique.
Suna Besha Ceremony
On Monday, thousands of devotees gathered at the Mausima temple in Baripada to witness the Suna Besha of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra. The deities were adorned with gold ornaments brought from the district treasury under tight security. This event marked the last day of their annual sojourn.
Rituals and Chariot Procession
In Baripada, the pahandi and pulling of chariots begin after Suna Besha, unlike in Puri. After rituals like mangala alati, maha snana, and abakash, the deities were adorned in gold, and devotees had darshan from 9 am to 1 pm. Later, khechudi bhog was offered to the deities, and preparations for Bahuda Yatra began around 2 pm. By 7:30 pm, the deities were taken to their chariots in a procession called goti pahandi.
Chariot Pulling Schedule
On Tuesday, the chariot pulling starts at 2:30 pm. Lord Jagannath’s chariot will be pulled first, followed by those of his siblings. On Wednesday, the final day, Subhadra and Balabhadra’s chariots will be pulled to Sri Mandir.
Women Devotees’ Exclusive Role
A unique tradition in Baripada is that only women devotees pull Goddess Subhadra’s chariot. This tradition has been in place since 1975. Women from across the state and beyond participate, believing it washes away all sins.
(With inputs from agencies)
