Puri Jagannath Temple will remain open from today with revised timings

The temple will remain out of reach of devotees on December 31 and January 1, 2022, keeping in view the possible rush for the New Year celebrations. The new SOP said that the temple would remain closed on New Year’s Day to avoid any spike in COVID cases due to large gatherings.

The Chattisa Nijog (temple apex body) meeting on 10th December finalized these SOPs and also said that “Niti Nirghanta” (timing) for the “first bhog” of Lord Jagannath from December 16 to January 13, 2022 While Niti Nirghanta for Makar Sankranti and Debabhishek Purnima is scheduled for January 14 and January 17, 2022 respectively.

During the period from Dhanu Sankranti to Makar Sankranti of the Odia calendar (December 16 to January 14), a special bhog known as “Pehli Bhog” (first offering) is accompanied by “Ballav Bhog” in the morning. Offerings are made to the deities, said a temple priest.

This was part of the new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) announced by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) effective Thursday.

Krishan Kumar, Chief Administrator, SJTA said in the notification, “The above guidelines will be reviewed from time to time and for the convenience of darshan by the devotees and for the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, instructions issued as amended from time to time.” will be done.”

The meeting of the apex body was also attended by senior officials of SP, Puri, SJTA and Chhatisa Nijog members of Shree Jagannath Temple.

Kumar said in view of the large number of devotees visiting the Shri Jagannath Temple and possible onset of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, a detailed discussion was held and a decision was taken to revise the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). was taken.