Public Darshan of Sri Jagannath to Stop for 4 Hrs Tomorrow for Banakalagi Ritual

Puri: The Jagannath Temple in Puri will remain closed for four hours from 5 pm to 9 pm on Wednesday for the Banakalagi ritual of Lord Jagannath.

Because of it, the devotees will be barred from the darshan of the deities during these four hours.

According to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), devotees the public darshan of the deities will resume after the completion of the Banakalagi ritual after 9 pm.

Th Banakalagi Niti or Shrimukha Sringara is a secret ritual wherein a fresh coat of colours is applied to the idols of the Holy Trinity.

Along with the Dutta Mohapatra Sevaks, the Palia Pujapanda sevayats, the Garabadu sevayats, the Puspalakas, the Changada Mekapa sevakas, and the Mudulis will take part in the Banakalagi ritual.

After a ‘Maha Snana’ following Banakalagi, the temple will be reopened to devotees to have darshan of the deities.

According to cultural experts, Banakalagi derives its name from ‘Bana’ which means forest and ‘Lagi’ means to apply.