In a significant move to uphold the spiritual atmosphere surrounding the Jagannath Temple, Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has announced that liquor shops will no longer be permitted within a 1-kilometer radius of Srimandir, including the iconic Bada Danda.
The decision comes as part of a broader policy aimed at protecting the sanctity of the temple and its surroundings. The Minister emphasized that sale of non-vegetarian food will also be prohibited on connecting lanes and bylanes leading to Bada Danda, reinforcing the cultural and religious ethos of the region.
“This is not just a regulatory step—it’s a commitment to preserving the spiritual purity of one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites,” said Harichandan.
Once the new policy is officially implemented, strict enforcement measures will be taken to ensure compliance. The move has been welcomed by devotees and local residents who have long demanded such restrictions to maintain the temple’s sacred environment.
