The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has announced a temporary suspension of public darshan at Srimandir in Puri, Odisha, to facilitate a significant religious ritual.
The closure will affect devotees planning to visit on November 13, 2025, between 6 PM and 10 PM, following the second bhog offering.
The decision comes in preparation for the Banakalagi Niti, a secretive and revered ceremony dedicated to the “facial rejuvenation” of the temple’s principal deities: Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. Performed exclusively by the Dutta Mahapatra servitors, this ritual involves the application of natural pigments such as turmeric and orpiment to refresh the deities’ visages. Rooted in the temple’s 12th-century Odia Vaishnava traditions and guided by ancient texts like the Skanda Purana, the Banakalagi Niti is conducted only on specific Wednesdays or Thursdays as per the temple’s almanac, ensuring ritual purity by limiting access to designated priests.
The Jagannath Temple, one of Hinduism’s holiest sites and a UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage landmark, attracts throngs of pilgrims year-round for its vibrant festivals and rituals.
This temporary suspension is not uncommon, as similar closures occur for other sacred observances like the Nabakalebara (renewal of deities) or routine maintenance.
Devotees are advised to check the official SJTA channels for updates and alternative darshan timings. For more information, devotees can visit the official SJTA website or follow their updates on social media platforms.
