Bhubaneswar, March 7: The ongoing repair work of the Ratna Bhandar (treasury) at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri will be halted for seven days, from March 9 to 15, to facilitate the smooth conduct of special rituals during Holi and Dola Purnima.

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) announced this decision based on recommendations from Chhattisa Nijoga, the apex body of temple servitors. The suspension will allow devotees and servitors to perform important religious observances without disruption.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had begun repairs on the Ratna Bhandar in December 2023, following its historic reopening on July 14, 2023, after a gap of 46 years. This marks the first time ASI has undertaken repair work on the treasury since assuming conservation responsibilities for the 12th-century shrine.

Temple authorities have assured that the restoration work will resume after the completion of the festive rituals, ensuring both preservation and tradition are maintained.

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