News from Puri

Puri district is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Situated along the coast of Bay of Bengal in the state of Odisha. Puri is also known as Jagannath Puri. It is considered as one “Dhaam” among four holy “Dhaam” in India. The holy script of the Skanda Purana describes Puri as the resting place of Lord Vishnu. Apart from this Puri district is famous for its golden sea beach and black pagoda or sun temple of Konark. The famous heritage art village Raghurajpur is in this district, where artisans paint world famous Pattachitra painting. Puri Khaja, Khechuudi, Dalma has its own special flavor.

Neta Pila Of Puri
Young girls of servitor families observe age-old ‘Neta Pila’ ritual in Puri

It is performed for 21 days beginning from Bhaadraba Purnima. For these 21 days, the girls perform Bali Puja near the Tulasi plant at their homes, in which one betelnut and seven seashells are kept inside a little box and worshipped as Lord Shiva.

Attack, blank firing at Pipili toll plaza: Police detain three accused from Nimapara   
Attack, blank firing at Pipili toll plaza: Police detain three accused from Nimapara   

The situation turned ugly when a miscreant got down from the vehicle and started thrashing the plaza staff. Before speeding away from the place, they blank fired to intimidate the staff. 

'Decent attire' for devotees at Puri Srimandir: Certain questions still call for answers
'Decent attire' for devotees at Puri Srimandir: Certain questions still call for answers 

As a few weeks are left for the enforcement, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) is reportedly leaving no stone unturned to sensitise devotees, the public, and staff of hotels and restaurants about the new attire rule. 

Congress holds mega rally in Puri
Congress holds mega rally in Puri, demands reopening of Ratna Bhandar and all gates of Srimandir

Bijay Patnaik, said, “The Congress is demanding the reopening of all gates of Puri Srimandir which is also the demand of scores of people and devotees. However, keeping the gates closed for some vested interest contractors is condemnable.”

Minor girl’s death 'due to wrong injection' in Astaranga: Police register case after Orissa HC's ord
Minor girl’s death 'due to wrong injection' in Astaranga: Police register case after Orissa HC's order 

The incident took place in October 2022, at Patasundar village under police limits. Rashmita, the six-year-old daughter of Sukant Senapati, was down with fever. Manoj Dalei, a pharmacist, of the same village, administered an injection, following which the girl fell unconscious and died later

Constructed a year ago, embankment road sinks in Puri; low-quality work alleged  
Constructed a year ago, embankment road sinks in Puri; low-quality work alleged  

The embankment of the Devi river in Kakatpur of Puri district is a sensitive one. A year ago, the river embankment road between Bauriakan and Khandasahi was constructed spending crores of rupees under a government scheme. 

Woman BJD leader accuses party MLA of threatening her with hooligans
Woman BJD leader accuses party MLA of threatening her with hooligans

The BJD has dismissed such allegations against MLA Samir Ranjan Dash and claimed that the complainant is not a party member, but an activist of the BJP. 

Srimandir Ratna Bhandar is safe, people shouldn’t worry: SJTA chief 
Srimandir Ratna Bhandar is safe, people shouldn’t worry: SJTA chief 

When asked about the status of this special committee, SJTA chief Ranjan Das said the matter would be discussed in the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee meeting.

Mahalaya: Devotees offer ‘pinda’ to forefathers, throng Samaleswari temple to witness Dhabalamukhi B
Mahalaya: Devotees offer ‘pinda’ to forefathers, throng Samaleswari temple to witness Dhabalamukhi Besha  

The auspicious occasion of Mahalaya marks the end of the Pitru Paksha, otherwise known as Shradh. Those who couldn’t offer ‘pinda' to their forefathers during the 16 days of the Pitru Paksha, are doing the same today. 

Mahasnan held in Puri Srimandir after blood spill in clash between servitor & staff
Mahasnan held in Puri Srimandir after blood spill in clash between servitor & staff

After the 'Madhyana dhoopa,' a 'Pasarautha' staff was carrying 'Pitha Bhoga (cake offering) of 'Kothabhoga Suar'. when a servitor and staff had fisticuffs near the sanctum sanctorum

Experts conduct ultrasonic testing of Konark Sun Temple's iron beams
Experts conduct ultrasonic testing of Konark Sun Temple's iron beams

About 500 years ago, the beams were dismantled from the shrine and stocked at a place.

SJTA’s decent dress code in Puri Srimandir evokes mixed reactions  
SJTA’s decent dress code in Puri Srimandir evokes mixed reactions  

Servitors have also demanded cloakroom and changing room facilities near all four gates of the temple so that a devotee can change his/her clothes easily before entering the shrine. 

'Decent attire' rule for devotees at Puri Srimandir from January 1
'Decent attire' rule for devotees at Puri Srimandir from January 1

As per the decision, the devotees visiting the temple will be sensitized about the new rule through awareness drives. The Jagannath Temple Police and Pratihari servitors will check adherence to the rule. 

Lack of toilet facility near Lion’s Gate of Puri Srimandir leaves devotees fumed 
Lack of toilet facility near Lion’s Gate of Puri Srimandir leaves devotees fumed 

The devotees enter the temple in queues. While waiting for their turn, they, mostly elderly ones, children, and diabetic patients, need toilet facilities. But surprisingly enough, there is no toilet near the eastern gate.

SJTA submits report on Srimandir reforms to Law Department 
SJTA submits report on Srimandir reforms to Law Department 

The SJTA in its report stated that a permanent chief administrator has been appointed and for the propagation of Jagannath Culture, a school and a Gurukul have been set up for the children of the servitors. 

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