Bhubaneswar, April 8: The inventory of precious gems and jewellery stored in the Ratna Bhandar of Shree Jagannath Temple is set to be completed ahead of the annual Snana Yatra, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced on Wednesday.

The minister informed that the second phase of the inventory exercise will be conducted over four days, from April 8 to April 11, followed by the third phase beginning on April 13, 2026. Overall, the April schedule will span around 10 to 12 days. Additional phases are planned for May and June to ensure completion within the stipulated timeline.

The entire exercise aims to finish before Snana Yatra, also known as Deva Snana Purnima, a significant ritual bathing festival of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.

Highlighting the use of modern tools, Harichandan said the verification process includes cross-checking current records with the 1978 audit data. Each item is also being digitally photographed to maintain accurate documentation.

Following the completion of the inventory, authorities will take a call on long-term preservation measures for the temple’s valuables, ensuring their safety and proper upkeep for the future.

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