Odisha: ‘Yajna’ to mark ceremonial start of Jagannath temple Parikrama project likely on November 24

BHUBANESWAR: The Puri Jagannath Temple administration plans to conduct a yajna as part of a ceremonial start to the ambitious Shree Mandir Parikrama Yojana on November 24. Though the ceremonial start of the heritage corridor project was earlier scheduled on October 18, the event was postponed in view of inclement weather forecast for that day.
“We have planned the yajna on November 24. Details are being finalized. Chief minister Naveen Patnaik and other dignitaries are scheduled to attend the ceremony,” shrine’s chief administrator Krishan Kumar said.
On Monday, Kumar reviewed a preparatory meeting with temple and district officials and servitors. The officers also visited the yajna site, about 100 metres from the temple.
The temple administration has already received a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the National Monuments Authority (NMA) for the smooth execution of the project.
Being implemented at a cost of nearly Rs 800 crore within a 75-metre radius of the temple, the heritage corridor project envisages the development of mutts, a reception centre, amenities for devotees and enhanced security for the shrine.
The project is part of the Augmentation of Basic Amenities and Development of Heritage and Architecture (ABADHA) scheme for developing Puri as a world-class heritage city.
The government has purchased land from 115 families around the temple to execute the project. At least 512 shops and 24 lodges were evicted for the 75-metre corridor. Besides, properties of 25 mutts were acquired for the project. The government has, so far, paid Rs 289.34 crore on acquiring land for the purpose.
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