Bhubaneswar: The Jagannath Temple in Puri will remain closed to devotees for five hours on Wednesday (April 23) for the sacred Banakalagi ritual of Lord Jagannath and His divine siblings.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has informed that the ritual, a traditional part of temple customs will be performed in the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagruha) of the temple. During this period, no devotees will be allowed inside the inner sanctum.
Banakalagi, which literally means “facial decoration,” involves the application of fresh natural colours to the idols of the deities.
The ritual uses substances such as Hingula, Haritala, Kasturi, Karpura, Keshar, and the glue of the Kaintha tree. These ingredients are combined to prepare a special cosmetic mixture known as Banaka.
The ritual will be performed by designated Dutta Mohapatra and Khadiprasad Daitapati servitors, in accordance with long-standing temple traditions.
Due to the Banakalagi ritual, general darshan of the deities will be suspended from 5 pm to 10 pm, following the completion of the second Bhoga Mandap offering.
Temple authorities have requested devotees and visitors to plan their visits accordingly.
