Puri Jagannath Temple Doors To Open At 2 AM From Dec 16 To Jan 14; ‘Pahili Bhoga’ Ritual To Begin

Puri: In order to streamline the conduct of various rituals in Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri, it has been decided to open the doors of the shrine in the pilgrim town at 2 am from December 16 to January 14, 2024.

It was decided at a meeting the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) held with members of Chhatisa Nijog of the 12th century shrine, sources said. The meeting was chaired by SJTA chief administrator Ranjan Dash.

The temple administration has also started preparations to streamline the Pahili Bhog Niti (Ritual) of Lord Jagannath to be held from December 16 to January 14.

As December 31 is a Sunday, lakhs of devotees are expected to throng the temple for the darshan. Therefore, a decision to skip ‘rati pahuda’ and ‘dina pahuda’ will be taken after examining the situation. Steps for ‘Debobhishek’ ritual to be held on January 15 and 25 have also been finalised.

From the first day of the New Year 2024, there will be a complete ban on the consumption of paan and gutkha at the temple. Devotees visiting the temple will also be required to adhere to proper dress code.

Besides, the crackdowns on consuming paan and gutkha in the temple premises will be further tightened and the servitors will also be warned not to consume tobacco products inside the temple premises.

Widespread awareness will be carried out by the SJTA to sensitise devotees coming to the shrine to wear decent clothes.

Arrangements for the inauguration of the Heritage Corridor Project were also discussed at the meetinh. Many saints and spiritual gurus of various Dharma Peethas from all over the country are expected to visit the pilgrim town. They will be specially invited to this event.

A ramp has been arranged at the North Gate for the entry of Divyang devotees to the temple for the darshan of the Holy Trinity.