Srimandir to reopen on Dec 23: Puri Collector

Puri: Nine months after closure of the Jagannath Temple in Puri due to COVID-19 outbreak, the centuries old temple will finally reopen on December 23, informed Collector Balwant Singh today.

An SoP for reopening of Srimandir has been framed by the district administration. The servitors and their families will be allowed for darshan of deities inside the temple for first two days. The residents of different wards in Puri town will be permitted to visit the temple in a phased manner till evening of December 31, he said.

He made it clear that all the religious institutions in Puri district will reopen from December 23. The temples and other religious institutions will reopen with strict adherence to the COVID-19 guidelines.

Earlier, Chief Administrator of Srimandir Krishan Kumar had recommended the Government for reopening of the Jagannath Temple from December 23 following a high-level Chhatisa Nijog meeting last week.

As per the recommendation, the residents of Puri town will be given priority for darshan of deities inside the temple.

In view of possible spread of Coronavirus infection due to influx of devotees during New Year, the temple authorities recommended to keep the temple closed on January 1 and 2. However, the devotees from Puri and outside will be allowed to enter into the temple from January 3 onwards.