Odisha: Over four lakh devotees attend Snana Purnima in Puri amid extensive security arrangements
Puri, June 29
More than four lakh devotees gathered in Odisha's Puri on the occasion of Snana Purnima on Monday, with police deploying extensive security and crowd-management measures for the annual festival at the Jagannath Temple.
Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh said comprehensive arrangements had been made in view of the large turnout of devotees.
"Today, on the auspicious occasion of Snana Purnima, we are witnessing lakhs of devotees arriving to seek the Lord's blessings; keeping this in mind, comprehensive arrangements have been put in place," Singh said.
He said 79 platoons of police personnel had been deployed, supported by senior officers, including four officers of Commandant rank. Special teams of the Special Task Force (STF) and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), along with fire services, ambulances and first-aid facilities, were also deployed.
Singh added that CCTV surveillance had been installed inside and outside the temple, at shelter sheds and other key locations, while arrangements had also been made for traffic, parking and VIP movement.
Inspector General of Police (Central Range) Dr Satyajit Naik said elaborate security planning had been undertaken after consultations with the district administration, temple administration, police, servitors and Daitapati representatives.
"I extend my best wishes and greetings to everyone on the occasion of Snana Purnima. More than four lakhs devotees from various parts of the state and the country have come to witness the Snana Purnima," Naik said.
He added that police personnel had been briefed to ensure smooth crowd management and enforce the prohibition on carrying objectionable items, including electronic gadgets, inside the main temple.
Meanwhile, erstwhile King of Puri, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, performed the sacred 'Chhera Pahanra' ritual during the Snana Yatra of Lord Jagannath.
Deva Snana Purnima marks the ceremonial bathing of the sibling deities with 108 pots of sanctified water. Following the ritual, the deities are believed to fall ill and remain out of public view during the 'Anasara' period before reappearing for the annual Rath Yatra.
Thousands of worshippers gathered to witness the sacred bathing ceremony of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, marking a centuries-old tradition.
The festival marks the ceremonial bathing of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra in 108 pots of water in a sacred ritual.
Devotees from across the country travelled to be part of the event. Snana Yatra is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, which usually falls in June. This festival holds immense religious significance, as it is believed to be the birthday of Lord Jagannath.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Born and raised in Puri, I've been going to Snana Purnima since I was a child. This year felt extra special despite the massive crowds. The CCTV cameras are a good step - last year there were reports of pickpocketing. But I worry about the privatization of temple services creeping in. The 'Chhera Pahanra' ritual by Gajapati Maharaja reminds us that this is our living heritage, not a tourist attraction.
As a traveller from the UK visiting Puri for the first time, I'm genuinely amazed. I've never seen such devotion and organization on this scale. The way 4 lakh people moved peacefully, the priests performing the 108-pot bathing ritual... it's something you can't find anywhere else. My only suggestion: more signboards in English for foreign devotees would help navigate the crowds better.
Can we talk about how commercialized these festivals are getting? I saw on social media that some 'special darshan' tickets were being sold at exorbitant prices. 🤔 The Lord's blessings shouldn't be a VIP privilege. That said, the security arrangements sound solid - 79 platoons is no joke. Even the Gajapati performing 'Chhera Pahanra' reminds us of the royal connection that keeps this tradition authentic.
My grandparents from Cuttack went this year and said it was overwhelming but beautiful. The 'Anasara' period is fascinating - the deities being out of public view after the bath reminds me of how our culture weaves human emotions into divinity. Though I wish the electronic gadget ban was enforced more strictly - my uncle saw someone recording video inside the temple. Jai Jagannath! 🌺
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