Long queues, daily struggles: Puri residents call for hassle-free darshan arrangements at Srimandir

A large group of local residents gathered peacefully on Sunday in front of Gundicha Temple in Puri, urging easier access to Srimandir (the Jagannath Temple) and hassle-free darshan of Lord Jagannath and His siblings.

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The gathering highlighted concerns over restrictions and the need for smoother temple entry for devotees.

Residents organised a calm and devotional assembly, performing Deepa Dana, reciting Vedic chants, and singing verses from Geeta Govinda. Participants emphasised that the event was intended to draw attention to their demands through spiritual expression rather than agitation.

Community leaders said such gatherings reflect the deep cultural and religious bond Puri residents share with Srimandir and expressed hope that authorities would take steps to ensure a seamless darshan process for all devotees.

“Residents of Puri have to stand in long queues to buy Mahaprasad. They also have to face many difficulties for darshan. Many people of Puri take their food after having darshan of the Holy Trinity,” some congregated residents said.

“Today, several Sevayats (the temple servitors), intellectuals, local residents—both men and women—have gathered and made an earnest, unified appeal for easier access to the Lords’ darshan,” the residents stated.

“It is not possible on the part of local residents to stand in long queues and have darshan of the deities through the prevalent Dhadi (queue) Darshan arrangement. Hence, I appeal to the district, police and temple administrations to make necessary provision for the locals,” eminent researcher of Jagannath culture, Bhaskar Mishra, expressed to OTV.

“Not only for darshan, but also in each and every religious requirement, the locals need to visit the temple every day. The Lords are an integral part of their lives,” researcher Mishra added.