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Key Points

The Odisha government is taking significant steps to transform Puri into a dedicated pilgrimage destination. Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced plans to ban alcohol and non-vegetarian food within a 2-kilometer radius of the Jagannath Temple. The initiative also includes standardizing building architecture along the Bada Danda to create a uniform and aesthetically pleasing environment. Local residents have warmly welcomed these proposed changes, viewing them as a positive move to enhance the city's spiritual character.

Key Points: Odisha Plans Meat and Alcohol Ban Near Jagannath Temple

  • Alcohol and non-vegetarian food banned within 2 km of temple
  • Uniform architectural standards planned for Bada Danda buildings
  • Preparations underway for upcoming Rath Yatra festival
  • Local residents support proposed religious zone restrictions
2 min read

Odisha govt planning to ban selling of meat, alcohol around Puri Jagannath Temple

Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announces strict regulations around Puri's sacred Jagannath Temple to transform city's spiritual landscape

"We want to develop Puri as a pilgrim city - Prithiviraj Harichandan, Odisha Law Minister"

Bhubaneswar, June 8

The Odisha government is mulling to soon impose a ban on selling non-vegetarian food items and alcohol around 2 km radius of the Jagannath Temple at Puri and along the Bada Danda (grand road), the bustling main street of the sacred coastal city.

Speaking to the mediapersons here, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Sunday revealed that no alcohol shop or bar and the selling of non-veg food items will be allowed around 2-km radius of the temple.

He also revealed that the government has started efforts to ensure the buildings facing Bada Danda (Grand Road) have a uniform architectural style featuring common height and aesthetic.

"We want to develop Puri as a pilgrim city for that we have started the process to gradually develop and ensure all the buildings located along the Bada Danda have uniform height and uniform front elevation to give a common look. We aim to transform Puri into a dedicated pilgrim city, and as part of this vision, we have initiated the process to gradually develop and standardise all buildings along Bada Danda to ensure they have a uniform height and consistent front elevation, for uniformity in appearance.

"Similarly, we today took another decision that no alcohol shop and bar will not be allowed around two-kilometre radius of the Jagannath temple as well as on the Bada Danda. The selling of non-veg items will not be allowed in these areas as well," the Minister said.

He said that the sacred city of Puri will have a new and holistic look if the government gets success in implementing its plan. Preparations are in full swing in the sacred town of Puri for the Rath Yatra festival which is going to start from June 27.

The locals in Puri have welcomed the announcement by the state Law Minister as it has been a long-standing demand.

Meanwhile, the Puri Police have made adequate security arrangements for the upcoming Snana Yatra or bathing ritual of the holy triad, Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, in Puri, going to be held on June 11.

Lakhs of devotees are expected to have the darshan of the deities on the occasion of Snana Yatra.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun P.
This is a welcome move! Puri is one of our holiest cities and maintaining its sanctity is important. Many pilgrims visit from across India, and a clean, vegetarian zone around the temple will enhance the spiritual experience. Hope they implement it properly 🙏
P
Priya M.
While I respect religious sentiments, what about the livelihoods of small meat shop owners? The govt should provide alternative locations or compensation. A sudden ban without rehabilitation plans isn't fair.
R
Rahul K.
Good decision! I visited Puri last year and the mix of liquor shops near temple areas was quite disturbing. The uniform architecture plan is also nice - will give a proper 'temple town' feel like Tirupati or Varanasi.
S
Sunita T.
As a frequent visitor to Puri, I'm concerned about enforcement. Will this ban create a black market for these items? The govt must think about practical implementation, not just announcements.
V
Vikram S.
The alcohol ban makes sense, but banning non-veg food is going too far. Many Odia dishes include fish - it's part of our culture. Moderation would have been better than complete prohibition.
N
Neha R.
Hope they maintain cleanliness and infrastructure too! Puri beaches and streets need better maintenance. The spiritual atmosphere is important, but basic amenities for pilgrims matter equally 💯

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