Bhubaneswar: The ‘Banakalagi’ ritual of the Holy Trinity at Gundicha Temple in Puri is set to be performed on Monday (June 30). As a result, public darshan will be suspended for five hours tomorrow.
The Shree Jagannatha Temple Office announced the schedule through its official X social media handle.
“On June 30, 2025 (Monday), corresponding to Ashadha Shukla Chaturthi with Panchami Tithi, the Banakalagi rituals of the deities will be performed,” the announcement read.
— Shree Jagannatha Temple Office, Puri (@SJTA_Puri) June 29, 2025
Public darshan will remain suspended from 9 pm to 2 am following the completion of the second Bhoga Mandap Puja offering.
Banakalagi Niti, also known as Shrimukha Sringara, is a traditional facial makeover ritual performed on the deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. The ceremony involves repainting the deities’ faces using natural and herbal pigments to refresh their divine appearance. This sacred ritual is conducted by the Dutta Mohapatra servitors in accordance with the ancient Banaka Pothi.
The ritual concludes with the painting of the eyes, symbolizing the deities’ return to divine vision.
Devotees are advised to plan their visits accordingly.
