Puri Jagannath Temple: Sea of Faith on Makar Sankranti; Record Number of Devotees Witness the 'Makar Chaurashi Besha'

Puri, January 15, 2026: A historic record of devotee turnout was shattered today in the holy city of Puri, Odisha, as pilgrims flocked to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. Long queues began forming yesterday afternoon and stretched for several kilometers by this morning, the day of the 'Main Bath.' According to the administration, the influx of devotees has surpassed all records from recent years.

Special 'Makar Chaurashi Besha' and Rituals

Today, the Shree Jagannath Temple (Srimandir) is performing unique religious rituals dedicated to the Sun’s transition:

• Makar Chaurashi Besha: Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra have been adorned in the exquisite 'Makar Chaurashi Besha.' In this attire, the deities wear beautiful floral ornaments and the 'Makar Chuda' (a special traditional headgear).

• Offering of 'Makar Chaula': A special bhog called 'Makar Chaula'—prepared with freshly harvested rice, jaggery, coconut, banana, and chenna (cottage cheese)—was offered to the Mahaprabhu. Devotees showed immense enthusiasm to receive this sacred prasad.

• Offering of a Giant Betel Leaf: A major highlight this year was a 2-foot-high giant betel leaf (Paan), offered to the Lord during the traditional 'Paan Bedha' ritual.

New Administrative Measures: 'Single-Way' Entry System

To manage the massive crowds and ensure safety, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and Puri Police have implemented strict protocols:

• One-Way Darshan System: Devotees are permitted to enter only through the 'Singhadwara' (Lion’s Gate/Main Gate), while the other three gates are being used exclusively for exit.

• Revised Darshan Timings: To accommodate the rush, the temple doors were opened as early as 2:00 AM to allow maximum devotees to have a glimpse of the deities.

• Barricading: Kilometers of barricading have been set up along Badadanda (Grand Road) to keep queues organized. Special assistance centers have been established for the elderly and the differently-abled.

Heavy Security at the Beachfront

As taking a dip in the sea holds great significance on Makar Sankranti, huge crowds have gathered at Puri Beach:

• Security Forces: Over 60 platoons of police have been deployed along the coastline.

• Lifeguard Deployment: To prevent any drowning incidents, more than 200 lifeguards and divers are on high alert.

• Drone Surveillance: AI-powered drones are being utilized to monitor crowd density and traffic flow in real-time.