Puri: The second day of Panchuka, today, sees a jostling crowd to witness the ‘Bankachuda besa’ (tilted head dressing) of the Lords. After the ‘Abakasa niti’ Lord Jagannath and brother Balabhadra were adorned the ‘Bankachuda besa’ by ‘Palia mekapa’, ‘Khuntia’, ‘Changada mekapa’ and ‘Puspalaka’.
The deity brothers are dressed with a ‘Chandrika chula’ and a bun is made in the southern direction where a golden ‘kia’ is placed making them shine regally. Akrura got to be see Lord Sri Krishna in this Banakachuda besha in Bajra danda when he came to pick up Sri Krishna and Balaram to Mathura.
For the peaceful darshan and traffic maintenance, special barricades hve been placed and 38 platoon police force has been deployed. Only the ‘Singhadwara’ (lion’s gate) has been opened for the entry of the devotees while the other three gates are to exit the temple.
Crowd disbursal will be handled by the ‘access control system’ from the barricade at Marichikota square. Arrangements for the comfort of the devotees viz rest sheds, drinking water and benches have been set up.
Devotees are seen thronging to Srimandir as this year instead of five days, Panchuka extends for only four days. Lord will adorn the ‘Dalikia’ or ‘Tribikrama besa’ tomorrow and on November 15 which also marks Kartik Purnima the devotees can witness ‘Suna besa’ (attire with gold ornaments) of the Trinity deities. However, the ‘Lakshmi Narayan besa’ will not be held due to the oddity in constellations and planetary movements, the reason behind only four days in this year’s Panchuka.