Puri: The sacred Panchuka Brata, part of the holy Kartika month, commenced in Odisha’s pilgrim town Puri on Sunday with thousands of devotees offering prayers at Shree Jagannath Temple amid tight security.

Notably, Panchuka Brata is being observed for four days this year instead of the traditional five due to the Kshaya Tithi (lunar day omission) on Kartika Shukla Dwadashi. The rituals are being observed from Kartika Ekadashi to Kartika Purnima. ADVERTISEMENT

Special arrangements have been made in Shree Jagannath Temple for the sacred occasion. While darshan in 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 darshan and crowd movement.

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