Bhubaneswar, Feb. 13 -- Thousands of devotees assembled in Odisha's Puri on Friday to observe 'Pankodhar Ekadashi' at the Lokanath Temple. The annual ritual, associated with Lord Lokanath, was conducted amid elaborate arrangements by the district administration and police to ensure smooth and safe darshan.

Barricading arrangements were put in place in view of the large turnout. Puri Police made extensive security arrangements to facilitate orderly movement of devotees throughout the day.

The temple doors were opened at 12 midnight, and the Pankodhar ritual commenced at 4 am. Darshan is scheduled to continue until 11 pm.

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