Darshan Suspended for 4 Hours as Banakalagi Niti Ritual Unfolds at Puri’s Jagannath Temple
PURI (OT Webdesk): The sacred Banakalagi Niti ritual will be performed at the Jagannath Temple on Thursday, marking a spiritually significant moment in the Shravan month.
As part of this secretive beautification ceremony, darshan for devotees will remain suspended from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM.
The ritual, observed on Krishna Saptami, involves the application of herbal and aromatic substances—such as kasturi (musk), kesar (saffron), and attar—to Lord Jagannath’s face.
These temple-sanctioned colours are prepared by the Dutta Mahapatra sevayats and applied to the Ratna Singhasana, with assistance from Khadiprasad Daitapati sevayats.
All temple doors are closed post the midday dhupa offering, ensuring the sanctity and secrecy of the ritual. Known as “Banakalagi” in temple parlance, this tradition is considered an intimate act of divine adornment, reinforcing the temple’s rich spiritual heritage.
