The ceremonial initiation of the Sreemandir Parikrama Prakalpa, or the temple heritage corridor project, commenced in Puri on Friday as Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb invited priests for the upcoming 'Maha Yagna,' set to begin on January 15.
In the traditional 'Sri Nahar' ritual, Deb extended invitations to the priests with betel nuts. Subsequent rituals include 'Ankuropan' and 'Ankur Puja' on Saturday, leading up to 'Yajna Adhibas' on Sunday.
On January 15, an 'Akhand Deepa' (ever-burning lamp) will be placed at the site, where a three-day yagna will be conducted by the priests.
The puja rituals will conclude on January 17, with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expected to walk through the corridor in the afternoon, officially declaring it open for devotees. A podium is being constructed at Utterparswa Mutt, where the CM will address the devotees. Cultural performances by troupes and the traditional blowing of conch shells are scheduled for the occasion.
Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has extended invitations to representatives from 90 religious shrines and institutions across the country to attend the grand function on January 17.
(With Agency Inputs)
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