Bhubaneswar, 08 March (H.S.): The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has announced that darshan of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra will be temporarily suspended for four hours on Monday, March 9, 2026, due to the performance of the sacred ritual ‘Khasapada Lagi’.

According to SJTA officials, the ritual will be conducted on Chaitra Krishna Shashthi Tithi, following the completion of the second Bhogamandap Bhog. During this period, general darshan will remain closed from 6 pm to 10 pm.

The ‘Khasapada Lagi’ is a traditional observance performed two to three times annually at the Shreepayars (holy feet) of the deities. During the ritual, the feet of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are covered with a white cloth as part of the sacred proceedings.

Entry into the sanctum sanctorum will be restricted during this period, and devotees will not be able to view the deities. Darshan will resume after the completion of the ritual, allowing devotees to visit during the night hours.

The temple authorities have requested devotees to plan their visit accordingly and cooperate with the administration during the scheduled ritual.

This temporary closure is part of the temple’s longstanding traditions, aimed at maintaining the sanctity of ceremonial observances while ensuring devotees can partake in the rituals at appropriate times.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda