Puri, Nov 1: The sacred observance of Panchuka is all set to be commenced on Sunday, marking the final days of the holy Kartika month.

This year, due to the lunar calendar adjustment, the festival will span four days instead of the usual five. Devotees will witness four rare and divine beshas (attires) of Lord Jagannath, starting from November 2.

The final day of the Radha-Damodar besha was observed on Saturday, and from Sunday, Lord Jagannath will appear in four unique forms: Lakshmi Narayana Besha on November 2, Tribikrama Besha on November 3, Lakshmi Nrusingha Besha on November 4, and the grand Rajarajeshwara Besha or Suna Besha on Kartika Purnima, November 5. Due to the shortened Panchuka, devotees will miss the Banka Chuda Besha this year.

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To manage the massive influx of pilgrims and prevent untoward incidents, the district administration, temple authorities, and police have implemented extensive arrangements. Entry will be allowed only through the Singhadwara (Lion Gate), while exit will be facilitated through the other three gates. A long barricade from Market Square to Singhadwara has been set up to streamline darshan.

For crowd control, devotees will be restricted from accessing the inner sanctum (bhitar katha), and darshan will be arranged from the outer corridor (bahar katha). On Purnima, limited inner sanctum darshan will be allowed post the second Bhoga Mandap. No one will be permitted to linger inside, ensuring continuous movement.

Security has been intensified with police control at all gates, CCTV surveillance, and public announcement systems. Ambulance services and water stations are in place, and the temple vicinity has been declared a no-vehicle zone.

Puri Police have made extensive security arrangements to manage the large influx of devotees. The deployment includes: 5 Additional Superintendents of Police (ASPs), 16 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), 35 Inspectors, 138 Sub-Inspectors or Assistant Sub-Inspectors, 24 Havildars, 147 Constables, 334 Home Guards, and 96 Section Forces.

A 24-hour police control room will be operational throughout the festival. Puri Police has urged the public to dial 112 for any assistance or emergencies.

Lokanath Temple and other crowded areas will also see heightened security. Additionally, temple servitors will suspend pilgrim interactions during these four days due to the overwhelming crowd.