Puri: The transformation initiatives undertaken by the Odisha Government in order to make Puri a world class religious destination seem to be bearing fruits. The first Rath Yatra after the manifestation of the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s wish to develop Puri into one of the World Heritage Cities is having a mesmerizing look.
Though the Yatra this year is having without the presence of devotees, millions of people are watching the event live through television. And this year’s Yatra brings everybody a never before experience. The glimpses of transformation of the Badadanda are clearly visible on the ground amidst the three chariots. Colorful and well decorated open spaces with the reverberating chants of servitors bring to the eyes and ears a soothing experience. The Meghanada Pacheri, which was once upon a time covered under buildings today is visible clearly and stands to boast its heritage.
A never seen development of the peripheral areas has helped smooth conduct of the Yatra and has also facilitated social distancing during this time of pandemic. From security point of view also, the spacious Badadanda and the peripheral areas are today more secure and safe. This positive transformation shows that where there is a will, there is a way out. And the Government of Odisha has undertaken an effort that was due for many decades. With this Puri can reinvent itself and compete with other heritage cities of the country.
The significance of this year’s festivities is the total transformation of the Singhadwara and Badadanda. The recent efforts to clear the dilapidated and encroached areas around the Temple have totally converted the area into a beautiful surrounding with ample space. The commendable effort in transforming the Badadanda and the surrounding areas of the Lord Jagannath Temple will bring it to the same league of temples like Tirupati Balaji Temple and the Golden Temple in terms of infrastructure and pilgrim amenities.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s endeavor to make Puri one of the best holy cities of the world is in the making and it has already proved that the transformation has already started. The Pandemic is not going to defeat our efforts to transform. If the Lord of the Universe blesses, millions of people will gather again at the Badadanda and life will be more blissful.
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