A significant meeting was held on Saturday at the Srimandir office in Puri, chaired by SJTA Chief Administrator Dr Arabinda Padhee, focusing on preparations for this year’s Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and the ongoing repair work of the Ratna Bhandar (treasure vault) of the 12th-century shrine.
The meeting deliberated on ensuring a disciplined and orderly Rath Yatra, one of the most revered festivals in Odisha. Speaking to the media afterwards, Dr Padhee provided updates on the Ratna Bhandar restoration. He revealed that five beams connecting the outer and inner chambers of the vault had rusted and deteriorated. These iron beams have been replaced with stainless steel ones, and damaged stones are being substituted as part of the conservation effort. Chemical washing is underway while de-plastering of the outer Ratna Bhandar has exposed further damaged stones. The administration aims to complete the repair and preservation work by Akshaya Tritiya.
Addressing concerns over drones flying over the temple and viral photos/videos taken via mobile phones, Dr Padhee emphasized that current penalties are insufficient. He advocated for stricter laws under the Shree Jagannath Temple Act to curb such violations.
Additional announcements included the launch of a new Srimandir YouTube channel by Akshaya Tritiya or Pana Sankranti, alongside the release of the Odia New Year calendar, which will first be offered to Lord Jagannath. The budget for the 2025-26 financial year has been finalized, with plans to use organic “Amruta Anna” for temple offerings. A new information centre with an LED display will be set up in front of Gundicha Temple, and a uniform policy, already approved by the management committee, awaits the state government’s nod for implementation. Discussions also covered installing an air-conditioned system in the Natamandap, designed to avoid impacting traditional rituals.
The meeting saw participation from key figures, including District Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain, Srimandir Niti and Development Administrators, and the Secretary of the Suar Mahasuar Nijog.
