Bhubaneswar: The Jagannath temple in Puri will remain closed for four hours today for the Banakalagi ritual of sibling deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, informed the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
According to notification issued by the SJTA, Banakalagi Niti will be held today on occasion of Chaitra Krushna Chaturdashi tithi from 6 pm to 10 pm. So, the temple will remain close from 6 pm to 10 pm due to the ritual.
“On Wednesday, the 18th March 2026, Chaitra Krushna Chaturdashi Tithi, the Banakalagi Niti of the Holy Deities will be performed.Therefore, after the completion of the Second Bhog Mandap offering, public darshan will remain temporarily suspended from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM”, read the SJTA notification.
As part of the ritual, fresh colours are applied to the idols of the sibling deities. Natural colours like Hingula, Haritala, Kasturi, Keshar, and the glue of Kaintha are used to prepare a Banaka.
Going by the tradition, the Dutta Mohapatra servitors and Khadiprasad Daitapati servitors perform the rituals. The garbhagruha or sanctum sanctorum of the temple remains closed and no outsiders are allowed inside during this ritual.
The Bhog Mandap will be closed after the second bhog offering, and the temple will be inaccessible to the general public during the specified time. Devotees are requested to plan their visit accordingly.
