Bhubaneswar, Aug 20: The Jagannath Temple in Puri will be closed for four hours on Wednesday for the Banakalagi ritual, a sacred ceremony performed for Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.

As a result, devotees will not be able to have darshan of the Holy Trinity from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. tomorrow. However, according to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), devotees can resume darshan after the completion of the ritual post 9 p.m.

The Banakalagi Niti, also known as Shrimukha Sringara, is typically performed on a Wednesday or Thursday. During this ritual, fresh natural colors are applied to the idols of the deities. These colors include Hingula, Haritala, Kasturi, Keshar, and the adhesive of Kaintha, used to prepare the Banaka.

Traditionally, the Dutta Mohapatra servitors and Khadiprasad Daitapati servitors are responsible for performing these rituals. The Banaka, made from ingredients such as kasturi, harital, karpura, kesar, kalasankha, and dhalasankha, is applied in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. During this time, the garbhagruha remains closed, and no outsiders are allowed inside while the rituals are being conducted.

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