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Puri: 24 Apri 2026 (Report- Lipika Rani Raut): The historic city of Puri witnessed a large and peaceful gathering today. Today marks the twenty-fourth day of a continuous walking march. Local citizens call this awareness march a 'Padayatra'. The residents of Puri town and the nearby Sadar areas organised this event. They have a clear and simple demand. They want the authorities to restore their traditional rights to enter the famous Jagannath Temple. They wish to visit the temple and pray just as they did in the past. 
Puri Locals March for Jagannath Temple Entry Rights: Day 24


The Route and Atmosphere

The march started early in the day. People gathered at the holy Bhakta Salabega Peetha in the Balagandi area. From there, the large crowd walked slowly towards the main temple. They ended their walk near the Srimandir. The atmosphere felt very emotional and full of deep devotion. People walked with strong faith in Lord Jagannath. They chanted "Jai Jagannath" along the entire route. Their voices filled the air with positive energy. At the same time, they raised their demands loudly and clearly. They want the old system of temple entry back for the local people. 
Puri Locals March for Jagannath Temple Entry Rights: Day 24


Unity Among Citizens

Many active citizens joined the walk today. They displayed a beautiful picture of unity. The march stands as a symbol of the deep love the locals have for their Lord. It also highlights their claim to their natural rights. Many individuals led the crowd. Chakradhar Mohapatra, Harishankar Mishra, and Bijay Mishra walked at the front. Jupiter Das, Saraswati Patra, and Biswanath Mishra joined them. Surya Rath, Prakash Chandra Nayak, and Santosh Senapati also took part. Women like Niharika Tripathi, Minakshi Das, Aruna Patnaik, and Pranati Ray showed immense support. Other participants included Kishore Chandra Das, Manoj Samal, Basudev Lenka, and Jagannath Mohanty. Yadabananda Ray, Raja Mohanty, Pradipta Mohanty, Amulya Das, Satyanarayan Sahoo, and Kalpana Muduli also marched with the group. Their combined presence gave great strength to the movement. Everyone walked together for one common cause. 
Puri Locals March for Jagannath Temple Entry Rights: Day 24


Leadership and Future Plans

Swadhin Kumar Panda organized and led the event today. He serves as the main convener of this awareness campaign. He spoke to the crowd during the march. He gave a firm message to everyone. He stated that the local people will not stop their peaceful walk. They will continue this daily march without any break. They will stop only when they get their old temple entry rules back. Swadhin Kumar Panda explained that this journey brings deep religious faith and justified rights together. This peaceful movement unites all the local citizens. It makes their voice much stronger every single day. The people hope the authorities will accept their fair demands very soon.