New arrangements for Darshan in Puri Jagannath temple from New Year

Starting the new year, Jagannath temple administration in Puri will introduce a barrier-free arrangement to facilitate smooth Darshan of the Holy Trinity by devotees including differently-abled persons, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee said on Thursday.

Consultations with various stakeholders including Chhatisa Nijog finalised the plans for new integration of barricades and ramps, the Chief Administrator informed.

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From January 1, 2025, a new queue system at the Natamandir will be in place to facilitate a hassle-free viewing experience. Separate queues will be made for women, children, senior citizens, and those with disabilities, with dedicated barriers to ensure convenience.

Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan recently chaired a meeting to determine the regulatory framework for the new system.

Recommendations from Chhatisa Nijog will guide the installation of temporary structures to streamline the flow of visitors.

In particular, special considerations are being made for persons with disabilities, including the development of a detailed plan for ramps, which will be completed before year-end. The first lane will prioritise ‘divyangs’, followed by other demographics, while the remaining lines will cater to male devotees.

An alternative ramp is under construction close to the Garuda Stambha to offer varied perspectives for visitors. The height and design specifications are currently under thorough discussion. Meanwhile, repairs to the Ratna Bhandar—the temple's treasure trove—are nearing finalisation, a National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) report revealed.

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“Barricading and collapsible ramp arrangement will be made for smooth Darshan of the deities. The new arrangement, which is underway through Sata Pahacha, will be functional from New Year-Day,” Chief Administrator Padhee said to media persons.

Notably, efforts to regulate the Anand Bazaar premises more efficiently have resulted in the formation of a new team, comprising retired military personnel, to efficiently manage the movement of devotees, the SJTA Chief Administrator added.