Panchuka Brata 2025 Begins: Devotees Flock to Baba Dhabaleswar and Puri Srimandir
Cuttack, Nov 1: The sacred Panchuka Brata commenced with fervent devotion across Odisha on Saturday, drawing thousands of devotees to prominent shrines, especially the revered Baba Dhabaleswar Peeth in Cuttack.
On the first day, Lord Dhabaleswar appeared in the divine Ashutosh Besha, marking the start of a four-day observance.
Temple rituals began at 3:00 am with the Dwara Phita Niti, followed by Baba’s ceremonial bath using 108 pitchers of fragrant water.
After Mangala Alati and Balya Bhoga offerings, devotees were granted darshan.
To manage the influx, authorities deployed 15 platoons of police, including two Additional SPs and eight DSPs. Barricades and 32 CCTV cameras ensured crowd control, while ODRAF and Fire Services teams remained on standby.
Traffic arrangements included designated routes for two-wheelers and four-wheelers, with volunteers and signage guiding pilgrims to parking zones at Bidyadharpur and Dhabaleswar Fandi Padiya.
Meanwhile, Puri Srimandir will begin its Panchuka rituals on Sunday. Devotees will be allowed darshan only from the Bahara Katha, with Bhitara Katha access on Kartika Purnima after the Bhoga Mandap ritual.
Enhanced security includes 40 platoons of police and extended barricades along Bada Danda.
The four-day observance marks the culmination of the holy Kartika month, with lakhs expected to offer prayers and observe fasting across Odisha.
