In a momentous event, the Srimandir Parikrama, also known as the Jagannath Heritage Corridor project, is all set to be inaugurated today, January 17, at the revered Lord Jagannath temple in Puri, Odisha. The project, completed by the Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation (OBCC), aims to enhance the visual appeal and ambiance of the temple. The OBCC officially handed over the completed project to the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
To mark the occasion, schools in Odisha will remain closed as Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has declared a government holiday for the state. This decision allows people to witness the grand opening of the corridor, emphasizing the cultural significance of the event.
Devotees from across Odisha and the entire country have been arriving in Puri since Tuesday to participate in the celebration. The entire town has been adorned with flowers, decorative lights, and graffiti, creating a spectacular atmosphere for the occasion.
As part of the inauguration, the Sri Setu on the way to Puri will be opened to the public after Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurates it. The authorities have taken extensive security measures, deploying 80 platoons of police force, supervisory officers, sub-inspectors, and ASI rank officials to ensure the safety of the event.
A four-layer security deployment is in place, encompassing arrangements for traffic, VIP security, devotee security, and smooth darshan for the devotees. In addition, bomb disposal teams, anti-sabotage teams, and canine squads have been deployed to ensure the area’s safety.
The ambitious Rs 800-crore project focuses on creating expansive, unobstructed corridors around the Meghanada Pacheri (outer wall) of the Jagannath temple. It aims to provide excellent visual connections with the 12th-century shrine, along with amenities for pilgrims and strengthened safety measures for both the temple and its devotees.
This initiative is part of a larger plan by the Odisha government, amounting to over Rs 4,000 crore, aiming to transform Puri into a world heritage city. The heritage corridor project marks a significant step towards preserving and enhancing the cultural and architectural richness of Puri, inviting people from various parts of the state to engage with the historic Jagannath temple.
Comments