According to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), entry for devotees will be suspended from 6 pm to 10 pm. The restriction will come into effect after the completion of the second ‘bhog mandap’ offering, following which the temple premises will not be accessible to visitors for darshan.
The temple, which usually remains open until midnight, will reopen to devotees once the scheduled ritual concludes.
Also Read: Advance registration for Amarnath yatra to begin from April 15 at 554 bank branches across India
The closure is linked to the performance of ‘Banakalagi Niti’, a significant ritual carried out inside the sanctum sanctorum. During this ceremony, servitors apply fresh natural colours made from ingredients such as ‘kasturi’ (musk), ‘karpura’ (camphor), ‘hingula’, ‘haritala’ and ‘keshar’ to the faces of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. The ritual, also known as ‘Srimukha Sringara’, is considered an important part of temple traditions and is performed several times a year.
The process is conducted by designated servitors, including members of the Dutta Mohapatra and Khadiprasad Daitapati groups, following established customs. During this period, the ‘garbhagruha’ (sanctum) remains closed, and no devotees are allowed inside.
Temple authorities have advised visitors to plan their darshan accordingly and avoid gathering near the gates during the restricted hours.
Also Read: Haridwar Ardh Kumbh Mela: Dates for ‘amrit snans’, other bathing days announced
