Puri feast cancelled

Bhubaneswar, June 20: The community feast in Puri for 1.5 lakh devotees to be organised on June 27 to mark the 13th day of the burial of the old idols of Lord Jagannath and His siblings has been cancelled. This is apparently the fallout of the differences among the servitors following the delay in soul transfer of the deities in the temple. Instead, the temple administration would feed only a limited number of devotees, and that too, on the temple premises, instead of organising it in front the main gate of the shrine as planned earlier. According to an announcement made by the temple administration on June 12, the community feast was scheduled to be organised by the servitors' association (Daitapati Niyog) in front of the temple with Mahaprasad (cooked food of the Lord) to be fed to the people. The temple administration had also announced to lend its support to the programme and appealed the devotees to donate money for the cause. However, following differences among the servitors in the wake of soul transfer of the deities and with political parties targeting the government, the association backed out of the plan. President of the Daitapati Niyog Association Rama Krushna Das Mohapatra said: "There will be no community feast. It will be organised only for a limited number of people on the temple premises." Though Das Mohapatra cited bad weather as the reason for cancelling the feast, a senior servitor, on the conditions of anonymity, said: "As our differences had snowballed into a major issue following the delay in transfer of souls, the temple administration decided not to support the programme. As a result, the association has no option but to back out of the programme." However, the temple administration, which is facing the heat following its failure to do the rituals on time, has so far refrained from making any announcement in this regard. Public relations officer of the temple Laxmidhara Pujapanda said: "I have no information so far." Chief administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration Suresh Chandra Mohapatra today met law minister Arun Sahu and briefed him about the problems that had led to the delay in the transfer of souls. After the meeting, Mohapatra said: "We have already served notices to the servitors. Any servitor wishing to record his statement could do so in person or in writing. Their testimonies will be kept secret." At Puri, the second co-ordination committee on the car festival was organised under the chairmanship of revenue divisional commissioner (central division), today. The meeting witnessed heated exchanges among servitors over the issue of soul transfer http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150621/jsp/frontpage/story_26932.jsp#.VYdMY1Lt3d4 .

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Nabakalebar Festival: Eminent sand artist documents secret ritual 'Brahma Paribartan'

Documenting the most important ritual of the Nabakalaber festival – 'Brahma Paribartan' (defined as changing of souls) – eminent sand artist Manas Sahoo has made a sand animation video on the secret ritual.

During the ritual observance, Bramhas or souls of all four deities of Puri Shreemandir are changed by replacing the old idols in the sanctum sanctorum. The 5 minute 25 second video elaborates the ceremonies in clear details.

Sahoo has described how Moharana (carpenter) connects with Lord Jagannath through his art. He also shows how the servants of Lord Jagannath replace the old idols stealthily during the wee hours after conclusion of Mahayagya inside the Shreemandir.

http://www.iamin.in/en/bhubaneswar/news/nabakalebar-festival-eminent-sand-artist-documents-secret-ritual-brahma-paribartan-62557

Sri Krishna Janmashtami at ISKCON Bangalore

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Notice to Badagrahis of Jagannath Puri Temple

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Carpenters carve a wooden horse to be fixed to one of the chariots
PURI: The Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has issued notices to four Badagrahi Daitapatis, who were entrusted the responsibility of ‘Brahma Parivartan’ (transfer of Brahmas from the old idols to the new ones) to explain the reasons behind the delay. The ritual, which should have been completed late on Monday night, was completed on Tuesday noon.

Despite the claims of the Daitapatis and the SJTA, the rituals were delayed by several hours hurting the religious sentiments of lakhs of devotees. People from all walks of life have demanded stringent action against the erring Daitapatis.

The 10 Biswakarmas (traditional temple carpenters) engaged in carving the idols of the four deities from four Darus (Neem logs) in the Koilibaikuntha have also been asked to explain the delay. Bijay Mahapatra and Krusha Maharana, senior Biswakarmas who were heading the team of carpenters, had on Wednesday said that they could not finish their work on time which also caused delay. “Some Daitapatis frequently interfered in the carving work and kept changing the logs time and again. We had intimated the Chief Administrator of SJTA about it but he did precious little for smooth conduct of the work,” Mahapatra told this paper.

Earlier in the day, Badagrahi Daitapati, one of the four Badagrahis entrusted to perform ‘Brahma Parivartan’, had given a written statement to the SJTA narrating the cause behind the delay and held two Daitapatis, who are members of the ruling party, responsible. Haldar told mediapersons that he along with three other Badagrahis was obstructed by a section of Daitas who demanded that they along with a senior Daitapati be allowed to remain present in the sanctum sanctorum during the ritual. “This delayed the ritual by four hours and Brahma Parivartan was completed by Tuesday noon,” said Haldar, who was the head of the Banajaga Yatra team. When the four of them refused to entertain the demand, they were allegedly roughed up, he said.

Meanwhile, expressing resentment over the delay, Shankaracharya of Gobardhan Peeth Swami Nischalananda Saraswati has asked the State Government and the SJTA to refrain from all activities of the Jagannath temple. “The sevayatas and the SJTA appointed by the State Government are entirely responsible for the violation of Nabakalebara norms and break in the 1000-year-old practice,” he said. On the other hand, Maheswar Mohanty, the chairperson of Nabakalebara Infrastructure Development Committee, expressed shock over the delay in the rituals and said appropriate action should be taken against those found guilty.

Puri Gajapati Shocked

Puri Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, chairman of the temple managing body, said like other devotees he too was shocked by the ‘bibhrata’ (major disturbance) in performing the most important Nabakalebara ritual of the Trinity and Sudarshan. He said this reflects the extent to which the temple affairs have deteriorated. “The servitors did not even spare Lord Jagannath,” he remarked.  He decried promoting political vote bank in the temple by the political parties. The Gajapati said Lord Jagannath is for everyone and service to the Lord should not be done under political consideration.
http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Notice-to-Badagrahis-of-Puri-Temple/2015/06/19/article2874722.ece

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Nabakalebar: Soul transfer delay turns controversial

Bhubaneswar, | 18 June, 2015

The inordinate delay in completion of the ‘brahma parivartan’ (transfer of soul from the old idols to the newly made ones) at Puri Jagannath Temple on Wednesday has snowballed in to a major controversy with sections of servitors blaming each other and political parties hurling accusations against the government and the temple administration.

Facing a volley of accusations, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration chief, Suresh Mohapatra, IAS, said he will hold a review meeting and verify facts to ascertain the cause of the inordinate delay in ‘brahma parivartan’. The ritual, the most important one during Nabakalebara, was scheduled to be completed on Monday, but it continued till late on Tuesday afternoon allegedly due a tussle between two groups of servitors, delay in making of the new idols again because of conflicting directions given to thethe new idols again because of conflicting directions given to the carpenters by servitors etc.

With allegations of the tradition and other aspects being violated doing the rounds on Wednesday, the entire issue gathered steam as the mismanagement of the temple administration and servitors spilled over to the streets. Many devotees and old timers felt that the age old tradition of completing the ritual at night had been violated. Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Narasingha Mishra blamed the government and recalled that the last time Nabakalebara was held, the then chief minister J B Patnaik used to visit Puri regularly and discuss with all sections of the servitors and the Nabakalebara of the deities went off without a hitch.

How many times has Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik interacted with the servitors and others involved in the entire festival, he asked while chiding that the CM was entirely dependent on bureaucratic briefing and review meetings. The Sankaracharya of Puri, Swami Nischilananda Saraswati has also expressed his dismay over the delay.

The Puri seer had lambasted the ‘encroachment of the bureaucracy in matters relating to the temple and rituals’. He had implicitly attacked the Sri Jagannath Temple Administrator, Suresh Mahapatra, IAS, without naming him and had said that no bureaucrat would ever dare to do what was being done without the blessings of his political masters. State BJP legislature party leader Mr Basant Panda demanded action against those responsible for having delayed the ritual and hurt sentiments of lakhs of devotees.

It is unpardonable, the first thing that the bureaucratic administration had done was to incur the wrath of the Puri Sankaracharya by trying to undermine him, charged Panda. Ruling BJD spokespersons said the government had nothing to do with the rituals, saying the delay has to be looked into by temple administration

Read more at http://www.thestatesman.com/news/odisha/soul-transfer-delay-turns-controversial/69996.html#BAjigFg39sp1aPWK.99

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Deities at Jagannath temple in Puri replaced after 19 years in elaborate ceremony

Thousands of devotees at the Jagannath temple in Puri. (Source: Express photo)

Written by Debabrata Mohanty | Puri |  June 17, 2015 

The four deities in the 12th century Jagannath temple in Puri were replaced on Tuesday with new ones after 19 years with four temple servitors infusing life into them, marking the end of the two and half month old process of Nabakalebara festival.

“The events since last night is most significant part of the Nabakalebara, during which the soul of the Lord was transferred,” said chief servitor of the temple, Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingh Dev, who participated in some parts of ritual last night inside the temple. The Nabakalebara (re-embodiment) of the fours deities, replacing the old idols with new ones – is an elaborate process in which they relinquish their old bodies and assume a new one.

The Nabakalebara is observed in a gap of 12 to 19 years. The last time Nabakalebara happened in 1996. The Nabakalebara process started on March 29 with the servitor starting their journey for the search of neem trees from which the idols were carved. This time, the neem trees were found in Jagatsinghpur and Khurda districts.

Four Badagrahis (body protector-cum-servitors) transferred soul from the old idols into the new idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Sudarshan made from neem wood this afternoon after an elaborate ritual that started last night. Though it was supposed to happen at night under cover of darkness, the process was inordinately delayed as the carved idols could not be made ready before midnight. Since last night the temple was shut for everyone except 100-odd servitors who took part in the process till the gates opened at 5.20 pm.

“It was an emotional moment for us,” said Jagannath Swain Mohapatra, one of the four servitors who transferred the Brahmapadartha(soul) from the old idol to the new. “It was a very difficult task to do as we had to bid goodbye to the old idols.” Mohapatra did the ritual for Lord Jagannath.

During the transfer of the soul, eyes and hands of the servitors were covered with cloth-bands so that they can’t touch and see the Brahmapadarthas at the time of their transfer. The old idols were buried in Koilibaikuntha (also known as the graveyard of the deities) area of the temple premises. Like post-death rituals in Hindu households, the servitors who took part in last night’s event, would get tonsured after 10 days and mourn the death of old idols. “It’s unparallelled anywhere in the world,” said the Gajapati Maharaj.

Since last night, thousands of devotees lined the Grand Road leading to the temple, lighting wick lamps.

The new idols would be open to public view on July 18, the day of Rath Yatra. Though the idols were supposed to be open for public viewing on July 17 on the day of Nabajouban besha, this time the temple administration decided against it.

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See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/deities-at-jagannath-temple-in-puri-replaced-after-19-years/99/#sthash.f8yxTeI6.dpuf

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Nabakalebar of Siddha Jagannath in Keonjhar is being held after 1,000 years

Keonjhar: Nabakalebar of Siddha Jagannath in Keonjhar is being held for the first time after 1,000 years. The wooden idol of the deity was worshipped since its installation and there was no custom of Nabakalebar in the temple. But during the last few years, it was observed that the idol was getting damaged and after approval of Puri Mukti Mandap and the Debottar authorities, it was decided to change the idol during the Nabakaleber ceremony to be held at Puri.
Accordingly, Daitapatis of the Keonjhar temple searched for the Daru (wood of the sacred tree) to be used for the shaping of new Sidha Jagganath idol a week back. Moving through different parts of the district, finally the sacred neem tree was discovered at Bankapatuli village. After conducting pujas and rituals, the tree was cut and the log was brought to the temple at Sidhamath on Thursday in a religious procession. Sub Collector cum Executive Officer Debottar, SDPO, members of Pahandia committee, local devotees and public joined the Daru procession till it reached the temple. Ratha Maharana and wood carving artists have been entrusted to start new idol carving inside the temple premises.

- See more at: http://orissadiary.com/Keonjhar/ShowDistrictNews.asp?id=59702#sthash.p0ArgKbe.dpuf 

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Jagannath Temple idols to be replaced

BHUBANESWAR, June 16, 2015

Servitors in the 12th Century Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri will replace old idols deities with new ones on late night of Monday – a vital ritual of Nabakalebara festival, which is being celebrated after a gap of 19 years.

The secretive ritual to be performed by four servitors of temple would mark infusing life into new idols and old idols will be given burial on campus of temple. All these would be carried out in complete darkness.

Wooden idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Sudarshan were last changed in 1996. Special worships were organised in the temple on Monday evening. Although nobody will be allowed to see the rituals, thousands of devotees thronged the holy town of Puri to stay vigil.

Carpenters have already created new idols of four deities from holy Neem trees collected from Jagatsinghpur and Khurda districts.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/jagannath-temple-idols-to-be-replaced/article7319703.ece

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Community feast at Puri temple

BHUBANESWAR: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has decided to feed over 2 lakh pilgrims in Puri on June 27 as part of the last rites of the deities, who would be buried on June 15.

"Daitapati Nijog of the temple will perform the last rites and arrange the feast," SJTA's spokesperson Laxmidhar Pujapanda said.

The Mahaprasad to be served free of cost would cost the temple administration around Rs 1 crore and it has appealed to people for donations. "Daitapati Nijog might support us financially. Donors can deposit any amount in favour of Administrator, Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, in account number 491711730 of Indian Bank (IFSC code IDIB000P057). They can also donate at the temple office," he said.

During 1996 Nabakalebara, around 5,000 pilgrims were fed inside the temple. "Since we are expecting around 2 lakh pilgrims this year, the feast will be arranged on the Grand Road," another temple officer said. tnn

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Community-feast-at-Puri-temple/articleshow/47639099.cms

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Tearful adieu to Lord Jagannath - Temple seeks donations for feast

Devotees in front of the Jagannath temple in Puri. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, June 11: Preparations are in full swing for the final Nabakalebar rituals which will see the old idols of Lord Jagannath and His siblings being buried and the "souls" being transferred to the new ones.

The soul-transfer rituals at the 12th century shirne in Puri will take place in the intervening night of June 15 and June 16.

Senior daitapatis (servitors), who take care of the daily rituals of the deities, are trying to contain their emotions. President of the Daitapati association Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra said: "Lord Jagananth is the head of our family. For us, Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra are human beings. They are part of our family. Like of all of us, they, too, pass through the cycle of life and death. Following the age-old practice and custom, we will observe rituals associated with the death of family member."
On the 10th day of the burial following Hindu rituals, the servitors will tonsure their heads. On the 13th day - June 27 - the rituals will end and the daitas and the temple administration will invite people for a customary feast.
Dasmohapatra said: "In our families, we invite people on the 11th day of a death. But, in the case of the deities, we observe it on the 13th day. This is a big occasion for us as the change of idols is taking place after 19 years."

The last Nabakalebar had taken place in 1996.
The servitors and the Puri temple administration, which runs the day-to-day affairs of the temple, have decided to invite as many people as possible. The mahaprasad, the cooked food of the Shree Jagannath temple, will be served.

"We expect at least 1.5 lakh devotees on that day," said Dasmohapatra.
Providing free food to so many people is not going to be an easy task. Keeping this in view, the temple administration has sought donations from the people. Chief administrator of the temple administration Suresh Mohapatra said: "Interested persons and institutions may deposit their donations in favour of the administrator, Shree Jagannath Temple, either in the account number of 491711730 of Indian Bank (IFSC-IDIB000P057) or directly donate cash at the temple office. They can also donate money at the information centres of the temple at the Singhadwara and near Jayadev Bhavan, Bhubaneswar."

Construction of the new idols is going on the premises of the temple in secret. Servitors are beating drums and playing gongs, so that the sound of making idols does not go outside the temple. Temporary barricades have been erected using palm leaves at the Koilibai Kuntha where the idols are being made.

The state administration has urged the Centre to declare Grand Road running from Jagannath Temple to Sri Gundicha temple as a no-flying zone.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150612/jsp/frontpage/story_25227.jsp#.VXpVFCS9ZJ4

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Puri Trinity's Treyodashi Rituals on June 27

PURI:The Daitapati Nijog will observe the Treyodashi (13th day from the Brahma Parivartan) ritual on June 27.

The ‘Brahma Parivartan’ from the old deities to the new idols will be done in the night of June 15 after which, the old idols would be buried in Koili Baikuntha complex of the Jagannath temple.

As a Hindu family observes special rituals for the relatives after their death, the Daitapatis have decided to observe the Treyodashi ritual for the old deities. This was decided at a meeting of the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration, district administration and members of the Daitapati Nijog here on Thursday. The Daitapatis, who claim to be the family members of Lord Jagannath and His Siblings, and the temple administration will provide Mahaprasad and sweetmeats to one lakh devotees on the occasion at the Grand Road.

For the purpose, six lines of devotees will be formed within barricades along the Grand Road and the Mahaprasad would be distributed among them.

The Daitapati Nijog and temple administration have urged mutts, devotees and other religious organisations to donate for the feast.

Among others, temple chief administrator Suresh Mohapatra, Collector Aravind Agarwal and SP Ashish Kumar Singh were present.

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Puri-Trinitys-Treyodashi-Rituals-on-June-27/2015/06/12/article2862250.ece

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Cops for no fly zone over Puri temple

Nabakalebara and Rath Yatra from air, the Odisha police have moved the Union ministry of civil aviation, seeking ban on flying of choppers and aircraft over Grand Road in Puri on three festive days.

It coincided with the Indian Navy deciding to position a helicopter in Puri for aerial patrolling for the first time during Rath Yatra, police said.

"We have written to Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security to declare the air space above Jagannath Temple and 3-km Grand Road as no fly zone' for safety reasons. We have sought restriction for July 18 Rath Yatra, July 26 Bahuda Yatra (return car festival) and July 27 Suna Besha," ADG (law and order) Binayanand Jha told TOI.

Director of Biju Patnaik International Airport here Sharad Kumar said the AAI has sought some information from the state government about possible threats from the air route and logic behind seeking the restriction.

"Since Nabakalebara will be observed after 19 years, curiosity among pilgrims is at its peak. There are rich people, who might use choppers or aircraft to catch aerial glimpse of the festival. People might shower flowers. The actions may pose security threat," Jha said.

"But there will be no restriction on choppers, engaged for patrolling. Indian Coast Guard is likely to position three Dornier aircraft to augment air security," Jha added.

In April last year, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) had moved the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), seeking blanket ban on flying of choppers and aircraft above Jagannath Temple after a foreign tourist took aerial photographs of the shrine with the help of drone cameras and uploaded them on social media. Three months later, the DGCA rejected the SJTA's proposal, contending that it will violate laws and rules governing civil aviation in the country.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Cops-for-no-fly-zone-over-Puri-temple/articleshow/47624640.cms 

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Devotees may not be able to buy Puri chariot parts

In order to increase the income of the Hindu shrine, the Jagannath temple administration in Puri,  took a decision to sell parts of the giant , wooden chariots that are used on the day of Rath Yatra every year.

However, the effort may not get the desired response from the common devotees primarily because of the high price fixed for the parts. For example, for each wooden chariot wheel, the base price has been fixed at Rs 50,000, which is hardly affordable for a common devotee.

Similarly, the base price  for other decorative items of the chariots such as “Prava” and “Gaja” have been fixed at Rs 25,000 and Rs 10,000 a piece.

Significantly, a similar attempt was made two years back to sell off the chariot parts which turned out to be a damp squib. Very few buyers had come forward to take part in the process and only 19 out of 107 chariot wheels have been sold, since the first attempt, according to temple authorities.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/482189/devotees-may-not-able-buy.html

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Govt records on past seven Nabakalebara festivals to be put on display

BHUBANESWAR: Massive conservation plans for important Government document and records have been drawn up by the Culture Department.

In view of Nabakalebara of the Trinity at Jagannath temple in Puri, an exhibition hall will be opened on the Archives premises where all Government records available on the past seven Nabakalebara festivals (1863, 1893, 1931, 1950, 1969, 1978 and 1996) will be put on display.

On the occasion of the International Archives Day on Tuesday, a state-of-the-art conservation laboratory will be opened at the Odisha State Archives, which will be used for preservation of paper records collected over the years by the institution.

In the first phase, over six lakh records in shape of volumes, loose sheets, files, old gazettes, maps and newspapers housed in the Archives would be conserved at the laboratory. All these records belong to the period of 1803 to 1963 containing valuable information on the freedom struggle, creation of Odisha province, natural calamities, first settlement in the State and account of the social customs prevailing during the earlier time such as Sati and human sacrifice.

“Some of the records of historical value have been acquired from private sources such as the kings, zamindars, religious institutions and freedom fighters. Many of these have been collected from various offices such as the Governor’s secretariat, district collectorates and the subordinate offices. Preservation of these records is necessary for the State as they contain crucial information,” said head of the institution Bhagyalipi Malla. On the occasion, a workshop would be organised where students from Utkal University will get hands-on training on ways to preserve records. “The attempt is to make the youngsters realise the importance of the archives. They will be taught cleaning and laminating records using simple tools,” said Malla.

Apart from inviting college students from across the State to attend workshops at the State Archives, a one-month course on the conservation process will also be initiated. “We are trying to promote the State Archives so that more people, especially youngsters, come here and read the publications to know more about the State’s heritage,” said Culture Minister Ashok Panda.

Two kiosks will also be inaugurated on the occasion where people can listen to the recordings of 28 freedom fighters of the State sharing their experiences of the freedom struggle.

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Lab-on-Conserving-Paper-Records-to-Open-Today/2015/06/09/article2857255.ece

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Idol Carving Process Begins in Puri

Gajapati Dibysingha Dev handing over ‘gua’ (holy betelnut) to chief Purohit of Swotriya Brahmins | express

PURI: The process for carving the new idols of Jagannath temple here began on Friday with the Daitapatis shifting four trunks of holy neem trees (Darus) from Darugruha to the construction yard in Koili Baikuntha on the temple premises.

As per tradition, Gajapati Dibyasingha Dev handed over the ‘gua’ (holy betelnut) to the chief Purohit of Swotriya Brahmins through Rajguru giving them the permission to conduct the yajna at the Koili Baikuntha close to the idol construction site.

As part of the ‘Antah Banajaga’, 75 Swotriya Brahmins would perform the yajna that would continue till construction of the idols of four deities ends.

During the first phase of ‘Anasara’, 10 Biswakarmas would carve the images of all three deities and Lord Sudarshan as per the instruction of senior Daitapatis. After the idols are completed, the Gajapati would offer Purnahuti on Chaturdashi day of the Hindu calendar on June 15. The new idols would then be placed facing the old ones in the ‘Anasara Gruha’.

On June 15 midnight, senior Daitapatis would transfer the Holy Brahma from the old idols to the new idols and the old idols would be buried in Koili Baikuntha. The new idols would be taken out during the annual Rath Yatra scheduled on July 18.

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Idol-Carving-Process-Begins-in-Puri/2015/06/06/article2851929.ece

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Preparations begin for annual chariot festival in Puri

Puri, June 07 (ANI): Preparations began for the annual chariot festival of the presiding deities of the famed Lord Jagannath temple in Puri city. The festival commemorates the annual journey by Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra and his sister Lady Subhadra in specially made chariots to Gundicha temple, two kilometres away from the Puri temple. The deities are expected to undertake the journey in a religious procession on July 18, in newly built chariots which are now being made in the temple premises. Nabakalebara is the ritual to replace the idols of the three presiding deities at the Jagannath temple with new idols made using sacred wood. It was last held in 1996. Devotees from across India and abroad converge in Puri to take part in this ritual which is usually held once in 12 to 19 years.

http://www.aninews.in/videogallery2/38457-preparations-begin-for-annual-chariot-festival-in-puri.html

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Chaos cloud on Puri fest

Expansion work in progress on NH-203. Picture by Sarat Patra Puri, May 28: Nearly 10,000 buses, 1.5 lakh cars, one lakh autorickshaws, three lakh motorcycles and 30 lakh pilgrims are expected to arrive here on the occasion of Nabakalebar and rath yatra on July 17 and 18. However, cops are in a tizzy as the lack of parking places threatens to plunge festivities into chaos. "The administration has earmarked 30 parking spaces that at best can accommodate 10,000 buses, two lakh motorcycles and 50,000 cars. This is besides Puri's count of one lakh two-wheelers, 12,000 four-wheelers and 7,000 autorickshaws. It's going to be a tough affair," said a police official responsible for traffic management during the mega festival. The major worry is that the five major parking places, including the new bus stand at Malatipatpur, are on the outskirts of the city, while the main bus stand is 8km away. Besides, the government is expecting nearly 200 special trains, which will bring in three lakh pilgrims to the city on July 17 and 18, which coincides with rath yatra. Although the train timings will be staggered to ensure that there is no jam on the tracks, the travel between the three railway stations in the city and on its outskirts will add to pressure on the road traffic. "It is going to be chaotic when people in big processions will walk into the town from these places," said an official. "Major infrastructure works in the city, including road expansion, are yet to be completed and the monsoon is expected to hit the state in mid-June. All branch roads in the city have been dug up either for cabling work or to build sewer lines. If not finished on time, these will cause traffic chaos in the coming days," said a localresident. On Wednesday, at a meeting of the rath yatra co-ordination committee, there were uproarious scenes with local residents criticising the administration for its failure to complete the projects in time. The issue of traffic chaos has come to the fore after the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) expressed its inability before Orissa High Court earlier this month to complete the expansion project. To avoid traffic chaos, the state government had planned to build two bypass roads. While one is nearing completion, the progress on the other one connecting Malatipatpur near Puri to Satpada being executed by the NHAI is yet to be over. However, to avoid traffic chaos, an NHAI official said the 10km bypass road would have two lanes instead of four as planned earlier to meet the Nabakalebar deadline. While 5km of the road would be made metallic, the rest would be kachha for the moment. Director-general of police Sanjeev Marik today visited Puri and inspected probable parking sites for vehicles and instructed the officials to complete the pending works by June. "Traffic management is going to be a tough challenge for us. We are working hard to ensure that everything goes off smoothly. We will face the challenge," Marik said.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150529/jsp/frontpage/story_22770.jsp#.VWkvRSS9ZJ4

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Demolition begins to widen road around Jagannath temple

The Puri district administration today along with police and magistrate today began demolishing the buildings situated in the close proximity to the Jagannath temple compound to widen the road extra thirty feet around the temple. It was resolved in the high level meeting to widen the road around the temple to facilitate smooth movement of pilgrim traffic. The district administration had initiated land acquisition proceedings but twenty one persons had agitated the issue in the high court and obtained the stay order. Later, the High court vacated the stay order and disposed their pleas on Wednesday last. The district administration today demolished one Hajuri building and Sana-Chhata mutt buildings by thirty feet. The operation would continue till the road was widened by thirty feet,official sources said.

http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20150530/2605433.html

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Police to launch App for tourists to Puri

BHUBANESWAR: Police are all set to launch a mobile-based application that will help tourists navigate the crowded streets of Puri, look for hotels and get updates on traffic situation during Nabakalebara.

"The App is almost ready and will be launched soon. Tourists will get live updates on the traffic situation during the festive rush. They can also lodge complaints on lost belongings. These will automatically be transferred to the control room in Puri," DGP Sanjeev Marik told TOI.

On Thursday, Marik inaugurated the official website of Puri police (www.puripolice.nic.in). In December last year, Puri police launched its Facebook page and started a toll-free number (18002002524) to receive grievances during Nabakalebara.

Marik, who was in Puri to oversee security arrangements, said over 10,000 personnel, almost double the manpower mobilized during annual Rath Yatra, are likely to be deployed for the mega festival. He was accompanied by seven other senior IPS officers,

More than 150 closed circuit television cameras will be installed in and around Jagannath Temple. At present, the shrine complex has 16 surveillance cameras."A total of 32 CCTV cameras will be installed inside the temple and the rest on the Grand Road, where the chariots will roll," said SP (Puri) Ashish Singh.

Police have also decided to install baggage scanners at the four entrance to the temple to check gunny bags, carrying vegetables, grocery items and wood into the shrine for preparing Mahaprasad.

Two quick rapid action teams have been formed to effectively combat crisis' situations (hostage or Maoist/terrorist strikes).

The 12th century Jagannath Temple is among the high-risk category temples in the country.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Police-to-launch-App-for-tourists-to-Puri/articleshow/47469322.cms

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Puri seer dares Odisha govt to name, punish officials who insulted him

Emboldened by the Shree Mandir managing committee’s decision to invite him with six of his disciples to have darshan of the Lords atop the chariots during the annual Rath Yatra, Shankaracharya of Govardhanpeeth Jagadguru Swami Nischalananda Saraswati has dared the Odisha government to spell out the names of the officials who had conspired against him since 2014 till date and demanded action against them.

Shankaracharya Swami Nischalanand Saraswati

The Puri Shankaracharya has told Gajapati Dibya Singha Deb on these lines during the Gajapati’s visit to Govardhanpeeth on Wednesday with a delegation of the temple managing committee members to invite him for the darshan of the Lords on Debasnana Purnima at the snana mandap and during the Rath Yatra atop chariots, revealed a member of the delegation who had accompanied the Gajapati.

The Jagadguru also told the Gajapati in clear terms that there should be no repeat of the 2014 incident and the temple managing committee’s decision should not turn out to be hoax. For the purpose, the state government in accordance with the Supreme Court, High Court and Record of Rights spell out its rights and make it public, the member further revealed.

A press statement of the Govardhanpeeth has said that a delegation consisting of Gajapati Maharaja Dibya Singha Deb, members of Shree Mandir managing committee and Mukti Mandap visited the mutt on Wednesday and met the Shankaracharya.

The Gajapati Maharaja told the Shankaracharya that the letter issued by the administration in 2014 was inappropriate. The Maharaja assured the seer that no such act will be repeated in the future. Keeping with his wishes and tradition, six of his disciples will be allowed to mount the chariots and have darshan of the Lords atop the chariots.

The Maharaja further told the seer that on the occasion of Snana Purnima the seer with six of his disciples will have darshan of the Lords. The Maharaja informed the Shankaracharya that the decisions were unanimously adopted at the temple managing committee’s meeting.

http://odishasuntimes.com/129825/puri-seer-dares-odisha-govt-to-name-punish-officials-who-insullted-him/

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Puri: This Time No ‘Nabajoubana Darshan’ For Devotees

“Devotees will not be allowed to have a glimpse of the Nabajuabana of the deities after Nabakalebar,” said SJTA’s chief administrator S.C. Mohapatra.

He said as a large crowd is expected on Nabajoubana Darshan Day, the administration decided to conduct the ritual but only with some priests.

“If we allow the devotees to have Nabajoubana Darshan, then it may led to delay in other rituals held before Rath yatra,” Mohapatra said.

To ensure smooth conduct of Nabakalebara and Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri, there would be no Nabajoubana darshan of the Trinity inside the temple premises this year.

“The temple administration had abided by the order of the Commission during Nabakalebara in 1996,” Mohapatra said.

He said the meeting discussed the ritual timings including the Jala lagi (bathing ritual) of the Lors during Deba Snana Purnima scheduled on June 2. It also discussed about the obstruction of the deities by the devotees during the Snana Purnima.

“Apart from this, the entire proceedings starting from construction of the new idols of the Lords to the Niladri Bije were also discussed at the meeting”, he said.

Talking to the media persons, secretary, Daitapati Nijog Premananda Das Mohapatra said the Shankaracharya of Gobardhan Peeth will have a darshan of the Lords at the Snana Mandap on Snana Purnima. However, he would take a decision whether to touch the idols. However, the followers of the Shankaracharya would not be allowed to touch the Idols.

As this time ‘Naba Jaubana Darshan’ falls just a day before Rath Yatra, the devotees will not be allowed inside the temple. They can have darshan of the deites the next day June 18 on Srigundicha Day or car festival day.

http://odishasamaya.com/news/tthis-time-no-nabajoubana-darshan-for-devotees/43126

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Jagannath Puri: Old chariot parts on sale

May 28, 2015 Subhashish Mohanty File picture of the dismantled parts of chariots after a rath yatra in Puri Bhubaneswar, May 27: Come June 5, devotees of Lord Jagannath will get an opportunity to buy parts of the divine chariots, including its wooden wheels, as mementos. Announcing the decision, chief administrator of the Jagannath temple administration Suresh Chandra Mohapatra today said: "The pieces will be sold on first-come-first served basis. While the price of a decorated wooden chariot wheel has been fixed at Rs 50,000, a piece of prava (a decorative wood work on the chariot) will cost Rs 25,000. We have invited people to send their applications or contact us through mobile phone." The devotees can reach the temple administration at 9437281288 and 9861093172. Besides, the guja (the wooden plate connecting wheel base and floor of chariot) will be sold for Rs 10,000 and asuri (wooden pillar on the chariot) for Rs 10,000 a piece. The temple administration has decided to sell 108 wheels, 103 pieces of guja, 83 pieces of asuri and nine pieces of prabha. These are parts of the three chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings that are lying with the administration since 2012. Mohapatra said: "Earlier, the parts of the chariots were used as firewood in the temple kitchens. The sale move is in response to the interest evinced by the devotees." He, however, said they would request the devotees buying the chariot parts not to misuse them. "If any one misuses it, we will initiate action against the buyers according to law," he said. In another development, the first meeting of the rath yatra co-ordination committee was held in Puri today to ensure that all ongoing projects for the car festival are completed well in time. The meeting, however, witnessed angry exchanges as many committee members alleged that a lot of work was yet to completed. They also raised questions as to how drainage, sewerage and road work be completed when most of them had just begun. Chairman of the Nabakalebar infrastructure committee Maheswar Mohanty, who enjoys the rank of a cabinet minister, admitted the delay in execution of works because of lack of co-ordination between different departments. "We will ensure that various infrastructure related works are completed before time. As the temperature has dropped a bit, work on various projects will be expedited," he said. The co-ordination committee meeting also dealt with the issue of health care services and parking facilities for vehicles that would enter Puri during the car festival. Revenue divisional commissioner Bikash Chandra Mohapatra said: "The government is holding regular meetings to monitor the projects." The members of the committee also questioned why the temple administration had allowed the carpenters to use kaintha wood instead of phasi wood for making the wheels of the chariots. "The age-old tradition has been broken. We seek an answer from the temple administration," said senior servitor Rama Chandra Dasmohapatra. The members also expressed their concern over the temple job of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). They are particularly irked over ASI painting the lower parts of temple mast in red instead of the traditional white. The temple administration has assured to repaint it white. http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150528/jsp/frontpage/story_22548.jsp#.VWkvHyS9ZJ4

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190 CCTVs in Puri to Monitor Rath Yatra Crowd

PURI: Director General of Police (DGP), Sanjib Marik on Thursday asked the line departments in Puri to complete all infrastructure works related to the ensuing Rath Yatra by June 15 so that security arrangements can be put in place.

Marik was here to review the security arrangements for the grand festival and inaugurate the website of Puri Police (www.puripolice.nic.in).

Addressing mediapersons, the DGP said a five layer security ring will be thrown around the Jagannath temple, Gundicha temple and Puri town. Although he did not specify the number of security personnel to be deployed during the fete, Marik said anti-sabotage teams will also be roped in to thwart any untoward incident.

The Odisha Police Housing Corporation has already started installing 190 close circuit cameras (CCTVs) across the town to monitor crowd movement.

While CCTVs are also being installed inside the Jagannath temple complex, hoteliers and lodge owners have been asked to install them in their properties to keep an eye on tourists’ movement. Baggage scanners will be installed at Atharnullah, Mangala Ghat and Balighat - the three entry points to the town, while two scanners would be installed at two gates of the Jagannath temple, besides one at the Puri railway station.

The DGP added that the Coast Guard personnel and officers of Marine police stations will patrol the Puri beach in speed boats and aerial surveillance will also be conducted.

As many as 300 lifeguards would be deployed along Puri beach from Chakratirtha Road to Swargadwara to prevent incidents of drowning in the sea. Besides, 14 watch towers would be erected for surveillance.

The Grand Road - venue of the Rath Yatra and Bahuda Yatra - would be declared a no-flying zone and three air ambulances will be stationed at the Talabania helipad for emergency cases, Marik said. An additional helipad would come up prior to the fete at Baliapanda for arrival and departure of VVIPs. A control room would be set up at Town police station to oversee security and crowd movement within the town.

Later in the afternoon, the DGP inaugurated the new building of Baseli Sahi police station, an officers’ hostel, two police barracks, a barrack for female constables in the reserve line police grounds and the SDPO office. Marik also inspected the ongoing works on 35 new parking lots in and around the town and the road intersections along the NH-203 on way to Puri.

Car Festival Meet

Noisy scenes were witnessed at the first coordination committee meeting on the Rath Yatra on Wednesday.

Puri MLA and chairman of Nabakalebara infrastructure supervision committee Maheswar Mohanty expressed concern at the slow pace of infrastructure work. While all the line departments had assured to complete infrastructure works for Nabakalebara by May 25, the projects are moving at snail’s pace.

Attended by officials of all line departments, Jagannath temple priests, members of Sri Jagannath Temple Administration and district authorities, the committee discussed supply of uninterrupted power, potable drinking water during the fete and laying of drains in the town. Members of the committee resented the delay in laying of pipelines and renovation of the District Headquarters Hospital, which is suffering from doctors’ shortage. Officials of the Public Works Department informed that construction of the bus stand at Puri would be over by June 15.

Special Trains

The East Coast Railways (ECoR) would ply 200 special trains to Puri during the Rath Yatra. The ongoing work for doubling of railway tracks would be completed soon, informed the railway authorities. Besides, a permanent rest shed for pilgrims, coming up near the Puri railway station at the cost of `10 crore, is nearing completion.

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/190-CCTVs-in-Puri-to-Monitor-Rath-Yatra-Crowd/2015/05/29/article2838679.ece

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