Puri, Oct 19: Ahead of Payashradha, which coincides with Diwali, the sacred town of Puri is set to witness a surge of devotees gathering at the Singhadwara of the Jagannath Temple to perform the traditional ritual of lighting Kaunriya sticks and chanting “Badabadua Daka.”

The age-old practice, deeply embedded in the spiritual heritage of Sri Kshetra, symbolizes guiding ancestral spirits with light. Devotees light the sacred sticks and offer prayers, invoking blessings and paying homage to their forebears. The ritual draws massive crowds each year, turning the temple precinct into a vibrant centre of devotion.

In anticipation of the large turnout, the Puri Police have rolled out comprehensive security and crowd control measures. Senior officials, including the Puri SP, have held detailed discussions to ensure the event proceeds smoothly and safely.

Special arrangements have been made to regulate the movement of devotees and prevent congestion near the temple gates. Authorities have also emphasised maintaining discipline and cleanliness throughout the celebration.