Puri Srimandir Dwarafita rituals at 2 AM on New Year: SJTA Chief Arabinda Padhee

The doors of Puri Srimandir will open at 2 am on January 1, informed Shree Jagannath Temple Administration Chief Administrator, Arabinda Padhee, on Monday. The decision was taken following a crucial meeting to finalise the temple’s ritual schedule.

Padhee stated that the Pahili Bhoga ritual timetable had already been decided. As per the schedule, the deities will observe Ratri Pahuda at 11 pm on December 31, after which the Dwarafita ritual will be conducted at 2 am.

Darshan Restrictions for Devotees

On December 31 and January 1, devotees will be permitted darshan only from outside the barricades. Entry for devotees will be allowed exclusively through the Singhadwar, while exit will be facilitated through the remaining three gates to ensure smooth crowd management.

“The Pahuda ritual will be observed at 11:00 pm, and the Dwara Pita ritual has been approved for around 2:00 am, strictly in accordance with the prescribed ritual timings. Last year, on December 31, 2024, the Pahuda of Lord Jagannath was performed at 10:25 pm, and the Dwara Pita ritual was conducted at 1:00 am. I seek the cooperation of all servitors and Palia servitors. The devotees share a deep emotional bond with Lord Jagannath, and it must be remembered that there is no concept of the English New Year in the ritual calendar of the Puri Srimandir. As the Pahili Bhog ritual is continuing, it is our responsibility to ensure smooth and orderly darshan for all devotees at the Srimandir. The period from December 31 to January 4, 2026, is extremely crucial for us, and special arrangements will be made to ensure safe and seamless darshan during these five days,” said SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee.

Opposition Over Early Pahuda

The early Pahuda of the deities had earlier drawn objections from various quarters, with concerns raised over changes in traditional practices.

Despite differing views, the Srimandir administration has clarified that all arrangements will strictly follow the pre-decided ritual schedule, ensuring order, safety and continuity of age-old traditions during the New Year celebrations.