Puri: The dhadi (queue) darshan system to streamline movement of devotees inside Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri town will be implemented from next month instead of January 20.
The new system incorporates a six-lane ramp enclosed by wooden collapsible barricades at Natamandap, situated opposite the sanctum sanctorum.
Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said that the plans to start dhadi darshan in the temple is likely to get delayed till February 1 as permissions for shifting the ‘hundi’ inside the Natamandap are yet to be obtained. “Two to three permissions are required for shifting the hundi and the government is working on it,” he told reporters on Friday.
The wooden structures and ramps readied by Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation Limited will be installed after the ‘hundi’ is removed from the present spot, he added.
The new system with dedicated pathways for men, women and senior citizens and an elevated ramp near Bahara Katha will enhance visibility of the deities while devotees stand in queues. The first lane will be meant for differently-abled people, the second for women and children, third for the elderly and the rest three for male devotees. After entering the temple from existing gate (Satapahacha), the women, differently-abled, children and elderly devotees will exit through Ghanti Dwara while the men will step out from Darada Dwara.
The government had initially planned to introduce the new system on a trial basis on December 27 and 28, and enforce it from the New Year day, but deferred it to January 20 due to the heavy influx of pilgrims.
