Bhubaneswar: With concerns over the availability of firewood and the smooth distribution of Mahaprasad at the Shree Jagannath Temple, Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Friday held discussions with office-bearers of the Suara Nijog to explore measures to address the issues.
The meeting, held at the conference hall of the Law Department at Lok Seva Bhawan, saw detailed deliberations on various proposals submitted by the Suara Nijog concerning the preparation and availability of Mahaprasad.
A key issue discussed was the need to establish a permanent system for the supply of firewood required for preparing Mahaprasad. The meeting also considered the creation of new forests on government and Shree Jagannath Temple land to ensure a sustainable supply of firewood and prevent shortages in the future.
The availability of Mahaprasad for local residents was another issue that came up for discussion. Participants also deliberated on displaying a prescribed price list for Mahaprasad to ensure greater clarity for devotees and visitors.
The meeting further discussed measures to make Anand Bazaar more organised and systematic. Emphasis was laid on improving convenience for devotees while ensuring that the traditional practices associated with the Shree Jagannath Temple are preserved.
Officials and representatives also stressed the need to maintain the sanctity and glory of Mahaprasad while introducing measures aimed at making its availability and distribution more convenient.
Shree Jagannath Temple Chief Administrator Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Secretary of the Law Department Siba Prasad Mohapatra, Suara Nijog president Padmanabha Mahasuara and secretary Narayan Mahasuara attended the meeting.
Damodar Mahasuara, Baidyanath Mahasuara, Balabhadra Mahapatra and Chintamani Sahinayak, among others, were also present.
