Puri, Nov 2: The sacred observance of Panchuka Brata, part of the holy Kartika month, commenced today in Puri with thousands of devotees participating in the rituals.

This year, the brata will be observed for four days instead of the traditional five due to the Kshaya Tithi (lunar day omission) on Kartika Shukla Dwadashi.

The revered Jagannath Temple has implemented special arrangements for the occasion. While the inner sanctum darshan (known as Bhitar Kaatha) remains suspended, devotees are allowed entry through the Singhadwara (Lion Gate) and exit through the other three gates to ensure smooth crowd movement.

In anticipation of large gatherings, the district administration has deployed 32 platoons of police force around the temple and key areas to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of pilgrims.

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Panchuka Brata, observed during the last days of Kartika month, holds immense spiritual significance. Devotees follow strict rituals, including abstaining from non-vegetarian food and engaging in prayers and charity.

The temple rituals during this period are conducted with heightened sanctity, and devotees from across Odisha and neighboring states have started arriving in Puri to seek blessings from Lord Jagannath.