Odisha: Paan, gutkha banned at Odisha's Jagannath temple from Jan. 1

 Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri, has decided to impose a ban on the consumption of paan (betel) and gutkha on temple premises from New Year’s Day.

The decision regarding the complete ban on the consumption of paan and gutkha on the premises of Srimandir was taken at the Srimandir Niti sub-committee meeting held on Friday.

“The servitors are becoming aware of the impropriety of consuming paan and gutkha inside the temple. Not only that, they are also creating awareness among the visitors.  We are also creating awareness. Those who have a habit of chewing paan and gutkha can eat outside the temple but not inside.  We hope we don't have to penalise anyone for this,” said SJTA chief Ranjan Kumar Das.

Das also said that devotees are coming to the shrine wearing appropriate clothes.

Asked about steps to be taken for Divyang (differently-based) devotees, he said, “For them, a dedicated ramp has been constructed at the north gate. They will enter the temple through that gate.”

The meeting also discussed the rituals associated with ‘Pahili Bhog’ niti to be observed from December 16 to January 14,  ‘Dhanu Sankranti’ on December 15, and ‘Debavishak Niti’ to be observed on January 25. From day one of the ‘Pahili Bhog’ niti, the Lion’s Gate or Singha Dwar will be opened at 2 am and the rituals will be performed between 5:20 am and 6 am.