Puri Jagannath Temple to reopen from Dec 23

Puri: Nine months after closure of the Jagannath Temple in Puri due to COVID-19 outbreak, the 12^th century shrine will finally reopen on December 23.

Puri district collector Balwant Singh on Friday informed that Puri Srimandir will reopen on December 23 amid strict adherance of COVID-19 guidelines.

The servitors and their families will be allowed for darshan of deities inside the temple for first two days, said Singh.

The residents of different wards in Puri town will be permitted to visit the temple in a phased manner till evening of December 31, he said.

This will be followed by the residents of different wards in Puri town in a phased manner till December 31 evening.

“We have reserved timing slots for darshan by residents of Puri town till December 31 evening. I request all of them to plan a visit as per the timings allotted to different wards. Once the 12th-century shrine is thrown open for the public, I assure this would be the best darshan and the best experience if devotees abide by social distancing guidelines and other Covid norms in place,” said Balwant Singh.

The district Collector further informed that all the religious institutions in Puri will reopen on December 23.