Panchuka Brata begins

Puri(02/11/2025): From today, the holy month of Kartik begins the observance of the Panchuka Brata (a five-day religious fast). This year, instead of five days, the Panchuka Brata will be observed for four days, since the Kartik Shukla Dwadashi (the twelfth day of the bright fortnight) is omitted from the calendar. At the Puri Srimandir special rituals are being conducted.

The inner sanctum (Bhitara Katha Darshan) remains closed to devotees. Devotees are entering through the Singhadwara (main gate) and exiting through the other three gates. For security reasons, 32 platoons of police forces have been deployed.