Puri, Apr 28: The Chandan Yatra of Mahaprabhu, commencing on April 30, will witness heightened security arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the festival.

The administration has announced the deployment of five platoons of police force, supported by one Additional Superintendent of Police (SP), five Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), eight Inspectors, 20 Sub-Inspectors/Assistant Sub-Inspectors (SIS/ASIs), four Havildars, 37 Constables, and 58 Home Guards.

In addition to the robust security setup, the bursting of crackers has been strictly prohibited during the festival. These measures aim to maintain order and safety for all participants and devotees attending the event.

Chandan Yatra is a 42-day festival in Puri, dedicated to Lord Jagannath and other deities. It is celebrated in two parts: Bahara Chandana (outside) for 21 days and Bhitara Chandana (inside) for another 21 days. The festival involves applying sandalwood paste (Chandan) to the idols, symbolizing cooling and relief from the summer heat. The deities are taken on ceremonial boat rides in Narendra Tirtha, a sacred pond in Puri.

Starts on Akshaya Tritiya, the representative images of Lord Jagannath, Rama, Krishna, Madanmohan, Lakshmi, and Biswadhatri, along with five Shivalingas (Pancha Pandavas), are taken in a procession to Narendra Tirtha. The deities are placed on decorated boats for an evening cruise on the Narendra Tirtha. This 21-day period involves daily rituals and processions to Narendra Tirtha.

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