Puri Jagannath Temple To Remain Closed For 4 Hours Today

Puri: Jagannath Temple in Puri will remain out of bounds for devotees for four hours on Wednesday for the ‘Banakalagi’ rituals of the sibling deities.

According to sources, Dutta Mohapatra Sevakas will perform the ‘secret’ rituals from 4 pm to 8 pm. Darshan for the general public will be restricted during these four hours, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) sources said.

Different colours will be used to restore the original look of the sibling deities during the ritual. Natural colours like Hingula, Haritala, Kasturi, Keshar and the glue of Kaintha (wood apple) are used to prepare Banaka, which is then smeared on the deities.

After the Banakalagi ritual, Mahasnana of Lords will be done. The doors of the 12th-century shrine will then be opened for the public, the sources added.