Come January, stricter enforcement of polythene ban at Puri Srimandir 

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has decided to strictly implement the ban on the usage of polythene and plastic items on the premises of the shrine from New Year 2024. 

Devotees visiting the shrine will be encouraged to carry puja materials like flowers and bhogs in paper, cotton bags, bhogei, small bamboo containers, and small wooden baskets inside the temple, said SJTA chief administrator Ranjan Das.

Das has requested various ‘sevayat niyogs’ (servitors’ bodies) and devotees to refrain from using polythene and plastic items and use paper bags, cotton bags, vegetative materials, leaf, small bamboo, cane and wooden baskets.  

"We have started a drive to stop the usage of plastic and polythene in Jagannath Temple and have requested all Nijogs and pilgrims not to take or bring bhoga and flowers in polythene bags,” Das wrote. 

The temple administration has initiated efforts to strictly enforce the instruction ahead of New Year Day to ensure cleanliness and sanitation on the temple premises. 

“Please, help us spread awareness among sevayats and pilgrims,” he said, adding that concerted efforts are needed to make the temple and the town fascinating and beautiful. 

It may be noted here that the temple administration has been making efforts to make Srimandir free from polythene use since 2020.