odisha news: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Jan 18: The implementation of the dhadi (queue) darshan system, designed to streamline the movement of devotees within the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, has been postponed to February 1 instead of the initially planned date of January 20.
Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced that the delay is due to pending permissions for relocating the temple’s ‘hundi’ (donation box) inside the Natamandap, located opposite the sanctum sanctorum. “Two to three permissions are required for shifting the hundi, and the government is actively working to secure them,” he told reporters on Friday.
The new system features a six-lane ramp enclosed by wooden collapsible barricades at Natamandap, which will enhance the flow of devotees. Dedicated pathways will be established for men, women, senior citizens, and differently-abled individuals, ensuring better visibility of the deities as devotees stand in line.
Upon entering through the existing gate (Satapahacha), women, children, the elderly, and differently-abled devotees will exit via Ghanti Dwara, while male devotees will leave through Darada Dwara.
Initially, the government planned a trial run on December 27 and 28, followed by full implementation from the New Year. However, the heavy influx of pilgrims necessitated a delay in the rollout to January 20, and now to February 1.