Puri, May 28, ( OT Webdesk)– Devotees visiting the revered Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri today will find general darshan temporarily suspended for five hours due to the observance of the sacred Banakalagi ritual.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) announced that the temple will remain closed for darshan from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, allowing for the completion of this significant tradition.
The Banakalagi ritual, observed on the Jyeshtha Shukla Pratipada tithi, is an age-old practice where temple priests apply fresh paint to the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
This ritual symbolises the rejuvenation of divine energy and enhances the celestial appearance of the deities. Since it occurs behind closed doors, devotees will not be able to access the sanctum during this time.
Authorities have advised visitors to plan their temple visit accordingly and honor the sacred customs upheld within Srimandir. Darshan will resume after 11:00 PM, once the ritual is completed.
Temple officials urge devotees to remain mindful of the temple schedule and express gratitude for the ongoing efforts to preserve these traditions.
