Bhubaneswar/Puri: The Odisha government has sanctioned Rs 2.25 crore as a special incentive for Daitapati servitors of Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri to ensure a seamless Rath Yatra.
The reward was proposed by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
The fund, to be drawn from SJTA resources and later reimbursed through special grants in the supplementary budget, has been approved as a ‘special reward’ for the Daitas’ disciplined conduct during the festival, according to a letter from the Law department to the SJTA chief administrator.
Other servitors appreciated the incentive but requested similar funds for all who serve during annual sojourn of the sibling deities of the 12th-century shrine.
At a preparatory meeting, Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh outlined plans for folk art performances and live festival broadcasts. The I&PR department is also planning to establish temporary information kiosks across Puri to assist devotees during the festival.
Snana Purnima
A total of 70 police platoons along with four SP-rank officials and commandants and 450 additional officers will be deployed in Puri for Snana Purnima on June 11, DIG (Central Range) S Praveen Kumar informed.
The deployment focuses on disciplined darshan, devotee safety, and traffic management across Puri.
The temple administration has also held multiple meetings with servitors and Daitapatis to ensure timely execution of the deities’ daily rituals.
