By Our Correspondent
PURI/BHUBANESWAR: Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration Chief Administrator Dr Krishan Kumar on Monday informed that the Finance Sub-Committee has passed a budgetary allocation of Rs 190 Crore for the current financial year.He said the budget amount will mostly be spent on rituals and festivals including Lord Jagannath’s annual Ratha Jatra, welfare of servitors and other developmental activities.
Besides, Finance Sub Committee meeting, Chief Administrator also chaired a meeting of Chhatisa Nijog Niti Sub-Committee, where ritual schedules were discussed and approved for the month of Kartika. Dr Kumar said, Temple will remain close on Durga Puja on October 15 and restriction will be on emersion day on 16, apart from that, Temple will also remain close on Diwali, Ekadasi and Kartika Purnima considering the COVID-19 fresh wave while Temple will remain open on Kumar Purnima on October 20.
A revised SOP will be issued within 2 days, Dr Kumar said adding no special arrangement has been made for devotees for the month-long “Habisa” Brata. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to inaugurate the ceremonial start of the Shree Mandir Parikrama Project on October 18, Dr Kumar said. Dr Kumar also, said that a dress code will be implemented for devotees, official and servitors while visiting the Temple, soon.
STJA Chief Administrator Dr Kumar also appealed media fraternity to refrain from negative reporting on Shree Mandir. While favouring for stern action against wrong doers, Dr Kumar also hinted that no such nefarious activities will be allowed inside the 12th century old Temple.
