Jagannath Temple Admin Bans Paan, Gutkha and Tobacco

Puri: In yet another step towards ushering in a spiritual transformation of Shri Jagannath Temple, the administration has taken a decision to ban paan, gutkha and tobacco products inside the premises of the temple. The ban will be effective from 1st August.

The decision comes after a number of complaints received from various quarters. The ban also covers the servitors of the Shri Jagannath temple. The decision was taken Monday in the Governing Body meeting of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration chaired by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb.

According to the chief administrator of SJTA, P K Mohapatra, “The violation of the new rule would attract a penalty of up to Rs 500 and it applies to both the devotees and servitors.”

The meeting also reviewed the conduct of the just concluded Ratha Yatra. The temple administration thanked all the Sevayatas, workers and officials for successful and smooth conduct of the Yatra. It was decided in the meeting that 25 servitors will be issued notices for various irregularities during the Yatra period.

The Temple administration also thanked K K Sharma, the New Delhi-based businessman for decorating the Jagannath Temple and the ShriGundicha Temple during the Ratha Yatra free of cost.