Ward-Wise Darshan Starts For Locals In Puri’s Jagannath Temple

Puri: The Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri reopened for the district residents on Saturday. The locals can have Lord’s darshan till December 31.

People residing in ward numbers 2, 3, 6, 9, 11, 12 will get the opportunity to have the sibling deities’ darshan in a phased manner (three shifts) that started from 7:30 am, reported Odisha TV.

“On an average, residents of 5 wards will be allowed in a day. We will issue the ward-wise break up and the slot for Darshan with timings by tomorrow. Each ward will get a 4-hour slot for Darshan. The tokens will be handed over to the head of each family through our network of Anganwadi, ASHA workers and other volunteers,” Puri Collector Balwant Singh had informed earlier.

For smooth and disciplined darshan, as many as eight kiosks have been made for the desperate devotees. All kiosks have security personnel to manage the affairs.

Barricades have been constructed along the Bada Danda from the Srimandir’s main gate to Municipal Market Chowk. Nine rows have been erected to ensure devotees maintain queues while entering the temple following physical distancing.

Devotees coming from outside Puri would be allowed to enter the Puri Jagannath Temple from January 3. The visitors need to produce COVID-19 negative reports obtained within 48 hours prior to their visit.