Paikmal, Odisha ( OT Webdesk) – In an unprecedented move, the Sri Sri Nrusinghnath Temple Trust has secured an insurance cover worth ₹5.4 crore for devotees attending the annual Baisakha Mela, ensuring financial protection for every individual during the six-day festival.
His marks the first-ever initiative of its kind at the revered temple.
The festival, dedicated to Lord Nrusingha’s birth anniversary, will be held from May 7 to 12, drawing pilgrims from Odisha and neighbouring states such as Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
With the new insurance policy, each attendee is covered for up to ₹7.5 lakh in case of accidental death.
The United India Insurance Company finalised the policy after negotiations spearheaded by local lawyer Hiramani Bhoi. The coverage, activated on April 29, was obtained for a premium of ₹1,57,648, reinforcing the temple’s commitment to both spiritual fulfilment and physical safety.
Authorities have also ramped up safety measures, ensuring adequate medical facilities, clean drinking water, and tight security throughout the festival grounds.
A major highlight of the event is the holy dip at Gokunda Ghat, believed to have divine healing properties, attracting devotees in large numbers.
This insurance initiative follows similar policies adopted by other prominent temples such as Puri’s Jagannath Temple during Rath Yatra, as well as Sabarimala and Attukal Bhagavathy temples, reinforcing the growing trend of prioritising devotee safety
