Puri Jagannath temple finalises rituals schedule for holy Kartik month

Bhubaneswar: The authorities of Jagannath temple in Odisha’s Puri town today finalised the schedule for rituals during the holy month of Kartik.

The schedule for Kartik rituals was finalised at a meeting of Chhatisa Nijog, the apex body of Jagannath temple servitors, today.

The meeting, chaired by Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief Ranjan Kumar Das, put emphasis on smooth darshan for devotees and Habisiyalis during the holy month.

This apart, the meeting held discussions for timely performance of rituals of Lord Jagannath and his siblings during Kartik.

“Thousands of devotees usually throng the 12^th century shrine to witness five different Besa (attires) of Lord Jagannath during Panchaka rituals. The meeting held discussions for proper crowd management at the shrine during the rituals,” said a servitor.

The meeting also finalised the schedule for special rituals during the lunar eclipse on October 28.

As per the decision taken at the meeting, the Radha Damodar Besa of Lord Jagannath would be performed within 4.30 am and 5.30 am. The servitors will perform Balya Bhog at 8 am and Mahasnana ritual at 2 pm. The rituals of the deities would be suspended from 4 pm, said the servitor.

The temple will be opened for people at 4 am every day during the holy month of Kartik from October 25 to November 27.

Radha Damodar Besa of Lord Jagannath will be performed within 6.30 am and 7.30 am. The temple administration will take necessary steps to facilitate smooth darshan for Habisiyalis during the ritual, said the servitor.