On July 14, the high-level committee chaired by Orissa High Court Judge Justice Biswanath Rath successfully opened the inner Bhandar of the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. The committee had previously opened the outer Bhandar, shifted the ornaments to a secure location, and sealed them. However, the key to the inner Bhandar did not work, so the committee decided to break the locks and enter. They plan to take stock of the ornaments and reseal the inner Bhandar after 5-6 days. Two sets of videography were taken for record purposes [8a8fdede].
This development comes after years of speculation and concerns about the safety of the jewelry and valuables stored in the Ratna Bhandar. The successful opening of the inner Bhandar is a significant step towards addressing these concerns and ensuring transparency in the inventory process. The committee's efforts to document the data of Ratna Bhandar digitally and involve the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the repair and maintenance of the temple further enhance the cultural and religious significance of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha [eda5ff2f], [8a8fdede].
The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, which began on July 7, marked a significant milestone as it was celebrated for two days, a first in 53 years. The festival honors Lord Balbhadra, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Jagannatha and is one of the main Hindu holidays observed since the twelfth and sixteenth centuries. The event attracted a crowd of 10 to 15 lakh devotees [2bd8c0ba].
This year's Rath Yatra was accompanied by ceremonies like 'Nabajouban Darshan' and 'Netra Utsav'. The rituals involving the three sibling deities were conducted on a single day, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and religious traditions of the region [2bd8c0ba].
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people at the start of the Rath Yatra in Puri. President Murmu extended her best wishes to all the countrymen and prayed for everyone's happiness, peace, and prosperity. PM Modi also bowed to Mahaprabhu Jagannath and prayed for His blessings. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also greeted the people and wished for health, happiness, and spiritual fulfillment [540ce4c7].