Odisha: Baladev Jew Temple Servitors Launch Protest Demanding Reopening

Kendrapara: Servitors of Sri Baladev Jew temple in Kendrapara district on Friday staged a protest demanding reopening of the shrine which is closed since months in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hundreds of servitors assembled in front of the temple and beat gongs to register their protest. They alleged that they are going through an acute financial crisis due to the closure of the temple.

The agitating servitors said they cannot even arrange a square meal for their family and urged the State government to immediately open the temple and take necessary steps so that they can earn their livelihood.

Nrusingha Prasad Patri, a servitor, said, "Only God knows how we are surviving for the last couple of months. We urge the State government to allow devotees to have darshan in the temple by strictly adhering to Covid-19 guidelines."

"We survive on the donations from the devotees. Now we are jobless and struggling. If the government fails to address our demands, we will intensify our protest in coming days," said Sanjay Pati, another servitor.

It can be mentioned here that the Odisha government has already initiated the process for reopening of Puri Srimandir and other major temples in the State. Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy has directed the temple administrations to prepare a plan of action for opening the temples.

(Edited By Bikram Keshari Jena)

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