Enhanced security to control crowd during Suna Besha in Puri
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Bhubaneswar: The state govt has put in place extensive arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of "Suna Besha" (golden appearance) ceremony on Sunday. During this significant Rath Yatra festival, the divine siblings — gods Jagannath, Balabhadra, and goddess Subhadra — will be adorned in gold ornaments while seated on their chariots before the Jagannath Temple.
Given the expected massive weekend turnout, police authorities have enhanced security, crowd management and traffic control measures. Police face a crucial challenge following the tragic deaths of three devotees in a stampede near the Gundicha Temple last Sunday (June 29), the third day of Rath Yatra.
The security deployment includes a staggering 205 police platoons to maintain order, with five platoons specifically assigned to safeguard the deities' gold ornaments on the chariots.
DGP Y B Khurania stated, "We request devotees to follow our advisories and maintain discipline and order during the darshan period. Like Rath Yatra and Bahuda, we will use drones and AI-powered cameras to control crowds and regulate traffic. Adequate parking lots have been created in and around Puri."
While the precise weight of gold adorning the deities remains unverified by temple authorities, sources indicate about 40 to 50 kg of gold ornaments are traditionally used annually for the Suna Besha ceremony.
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According to a 1978 inventory, the Jagannath temple's Ratna Bhandar (treasury) contains 128 kg gold and 221 kg silver. Besides, about 30 kg gold donated by devotees have been deposited in banks, sources in the temple stated.
The Suna Besha tradition linked to the Jagannath Temple is believed to have commenced during King Kapilendra Deb's reign in 1460. Following his victory over another ruler, he transported substantial gold to Puri on 16 elephants, offering it to the Jagannath Temple.
This annual celebration continues on Asadha Sukla Ekadasi Tithi.
"The deities will wear gold crowns and ornaments on their hands and feet. Lord Jagannath holds a golden chakra in his right hand and silver conch in his left. Lord Balabhadra carries a golden plough in his left hand and gold mace in his right. Devi Subhadra wears different ornaments," a temple official said.
Various servitor groups, including Palia Puspalak, Bhitarchha Mohapatra, Taluchha Mohapatra, Daitapatis, Khuntia and Mekap Sevaks, are responsible for adorning the deities on the chariots.
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