No Radha Pada Darshan On Anla Navami At Sakhigopal This Year

The district administration at Puri will clamp prohibitory orders to deter public gatherings during the upcoming Anla Navami festival at the famous Sakhigopal temple.

Apprehending possible violation of Covid guidelines during congregation of people, the authorities have announced to enforce Section 144 of the CrPC in and around the centuries-old shrine during the festival. 

Anla Navami, which is scheduled to be observed on November 12 this year, attracts thousands of devotees from all over Odisha to the temple of Lord Gopinath, a form of Lord Krishna, at Sakhigopal.

On the auspicious occasion, Goddess Radharani is adorned in special attire called Odiani Besha while Lord Krishna is dressed in Natabar Besha. 

Goddess Radha is decorated with various embellishments all around the year and her feet always remain concealed. However, on the auspicious day of Anla Nabami, devotees get a chance to view her feet as she wears a typical Kachha costume and hence the ritual is known as Radha Pada Darshan.

On the other hand, Section 144 will also be enforced at the Gopinath temple on November 15 on the occasion of Bada Ekadasi Utsav.

District administration officials informed that no person other than servitors engaged in the service of the deities and other government officials will be allowed to enter the temple.