The Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA), an administrative body that overlooks all aspects concerning the Jagannath Temple in Puri, has issued a revised set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in light of the holiday season ahead. As per the revised SOPs, the temple will remain out of bounds for all devotees on December 31 and January 1.
The new operational protocols will be in effect starting December 16. The decision has been taken by the board after a review meeting, which decided to prevent people from visiting the temple on those two days as it may lead to a spike in gatherings.
As the threat of the Omicron variant is still lurking, the Odisha government is vigilant of any potential source of concern and would not like to see a surge in infections owing to overcrowding near the temple.
The devotees will be allowed to enter the temple to pay obeisance from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM on all days when the temple is open. Jaya Bijaya Dwar and Beherana Dwar will remain closed for performance of special rituals like Banaka Lagi and Paita Lagi. However, there will be no restrictions on the entry of devotees to the temple complex for the darshan of Parshva Devtas and to visit Anand Bazaar.