Puri: The most ambitious and historic event happening in Puri – the rituals for the inauguration of the Parikrama Prakalpa will start from today. The stage is set and all preparations are on the final leg as thousands of people start arriving to witness the sacred event. The event will start with the auspicious Brahmana Barana by Gajapati Maharaja Divyasingha Deva today evening.
According to sources, the process for the inauguration will start from the Rajanaara and the Ankuraropana ritual will also begin today. The preparations for the three day Yagna will also start from today. The Ankurapujana ritual will be held from 11 am to 8 pm tomorrow. The Akhanda Dipa Sthapana, Panchakarma, Brahmana Barana, Mandala Pujana, Veda Parayana, Nama Sankirtana will be held during the inauguration program. Surya Puja, Dhartri Puja, Gopuja, Shala Pravesh, Panchakarma, Mandal puja, Havan, Aarti, Pushpanjali Pradakshina will be performed on the 16th.
On the 17th, Surya Puja, Dharatri Puja, Gopuja, Panchakarma, Vastu Shodhan, Adhivas, Phalaka Puja will be done. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will unveil the plaque of the Parikrama Prakalpa between 1.15 PM and 1.30 PM. Yajna Purnahuti, Aarati and Pushpanjali will be offered by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Dev from 1.30 PM to 2 PM. Chanting of Nama Sankirtana will be held across the Parikrama Prakalpa. The felicitation ceremony will be held from 2.30 PM to 3 PM at the auditorium. Public and devotees can go to the Parikrama Patha after the inauguration program is over. The Temple administration has made arrangements for Light and Sound shows for the devotees in the evening.
Meanwhile, offerings of Gua Chaula for Lord Jagannath from all over the state is pouring in. The special Jagannath Raths are travelling from village to village and collecting offerings from door to door. The whole state is witnessing a holy atmosphere of spiritual devotion. People of Odisha are welcoming the Jagannath Ratha with full fervor.
Keeping in view the arrival of lakhs of people on the occasion of the inauguration of the Parikrama Prakalpa, security has been tightened in Puri. Special emphasis is being given to hassle free attendance of the people to witness the celestial event. Puri Police has made special arrangements for traffic control and parking. Huge number of devotees are expected in the coming days from Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. As per the arrangements, all VIPs and invited guests will come from Shri Jagannath Ballabh Matha via the Sri Marga to the Yagna Sthala and seating area. The Fire Services Department personnel and Puri Municipality personnel are engaged in sprinkling water and cleaning the Parikrama Prakalpa. As per reports, three special zones have been set up to accommodate around 900 guests. The Shankaracharya of Puri Govardhan Math has been invited along with the King of Nepal. A laser show will also be held between the historic Emaar Matha and Maa Kakudikhai temple. Similarly, the Kanchi Vijaya laser show will be held at the market complex. Apart from this, cultural programs like Odisi, Mahari, Sambalpuri, Paika, Banati etc., will be performed along with Nama Sankirtana in front of small pandals set up around the Parikrama Marga.