The traditional hundi donation box system at Puri’s Shree Jagannath Temple is set to be replaced as the temple gears up to introduce an organised queue darshan for devotees. The move, finalised in a temple management committee meeting, aims to streamline the heavy flow of pilgrims while ensuring discipline and sanctity. The proposal will now be placed before Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for approval.
Enhancing Pilgrim Experience with Order and Sanctity
Law and Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan announced that all arrangements would be completed before September 15. The step, he said, is designed to give devotees a more disciplined experience without compromising the temple’s sacred traditions. Officials present at the meeting stressed that this decision aligns with the government’s broader push to improve management at Odisha’s spiritual hub.
Urgent Road Repairs Ahead of Festive Season
The minister also revealed that urgent road repair works in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar will be taken up before the festive season. A crucial meeting on September 6, involving local MLAs, the mayor, commissioners, and senior officials, will finalise the roadmap. All major routes are expected to be restored by September 20, ensuring smooth and safe travel for Puja revellers.
Transparency on Rath Yatra Stampede Report
In a strong statement on accountability, Harichandan addressed the pending report on the June Rath Yatra stampede, which claimed three lives and injured more than 50 devotees. He criticised the previous regime for suppressing 23 such reports and declared that this government would ensure transparency. The inquiry submitted by Development Commissioner Anu Garg will soon be acted upon by the Chief Minister, paving the way for measures to hold those responsible accountable.