Lakhs Visit Puri Jagannath Temple on New Year’s Day

Bhubaneswar: Lakhs of devotees offered prayers at the 12^th century Jagannath temple in Odisha’s Puri town on the New Year’s Day Tuesday, official said.

At least six lakh people have arrived in the city and offered prayers at the temple, Laxmidhar Puja Panda, public relations officer of the temple, told.

Panda said the temple was open throughout the night and would remain open till Wednesday midnight.

Among those who visited the temple were Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, some of his ministers, leaders of various political parties and senior bureaucrats, Panda said.

Most hotels have witnessed a rush, prompting operators to recruit additional staff.

Many, who arrived at the temple town, about 56 km from here, a day earlier also spent time at the beach.

Authorities have also deployed hundreds of additional policemen and made elaborate security arrangements.

Source: IANS