Puri, Oct 11: The Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) is contemplating introducing a dress code in Srimandir in a phased manner. The decision to introduce the dress code was taken after consultations with Chhatisha Nijog (confederation servitor bodies of Srimandir), temple’s chief administrator Krishan Kumar told media persons Monday.
Kumar said that servitors, temple employees and others who were to render religious or administrative services in Garbhagriha and within bhitar Kath limits have to wear religious robes and traditional dresses which would be effective from November 6. Kumar added that the dress code would be extended to a wider range observing the response. In future there can also be a dress code for devotees wanting the visit the shrine.
The meeting also approved the schedule and timing of observance of various rituals during the holy month of Kartik.
Kumar issued an advisory through which he requested senior citizens not to visit Puri to observe ‘Kartik brata’ in the time of the pandemic. He said it would be for their health and safety.
The state sponsored Habisyali brat programme has been stopped since last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Odisha government used to provide free accommodation and food to over three thousand Habisyalis to observe month long brata in this town.
Kumar informed that the temple will remain closed on Dussehra, Diwali, Kartik Purnima, and on all Sundays but all arrangements will be made to provide ‘Mahaprasad’ to devotees during the holy month.
Chief minister Naveen Patnaik will formally launch Srimandir Parikrama Prakalp October next. Earlier, buildings and structures situated within 75-metre from Meghanad prachir were removed after payment of hefty compensation to owners.
The area has been cleared and necessary permission from the national monuments authority (NMA) has been obtained. This parikrama is part of the heritage and security corridor being executed around the Srimandir.
