In a bid to manage traditional rituals for 'Banakalagi Niti' at the revered Srimandir in Puri, authorities have declared that the temple will be closed for 'darshan' for five hours on Wednesday.

As per temple sources, Puri Srimandir will be closed from 5 pm to 10 pm today to facilitate the smooth conduct of scheduled religious rituals vital to local traditions.

Secret Rituals

According to the servitors, the secret rituals of the Holy Trinity-Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra will be conducted on Sukla Panchami Tithi of Odia month Chaitra today. Hence, 'darshan' for the devotees will be closed for five hours after the second 'Bhoga Mandapa'.

However, devotees will be allowed to have darshan from the side deities during the period. As per the age-old tradition, Dutta Mohapatra servitors perform the 'Shrimukha Singhara' rituals of the Holy Trinity as part of 'Banaka Lagi' rituals.

Must Read: Banaka Lagi rituals of Lord Jagannath today, darshan limited to 4 hours only

What is 'Banaka Lagi'?

‘Banaka’ literally means colours, and this ritual means decorating the face of the Lord. In simple words, it can be described as repainting the deities. During the secret ritual, the Datta Mahapatra servitors would re-paint the deities with various traditional organic colours. 

This ritual is performed several times a year. Through this ritual, the Trinity always remains fresh and attractive to the devotees.

The Holy Trinity will adorn a new look after a special make-up ritual on the Ratnabedi. As it is a secret ritual, devotees will not be allowed to have darshan of the deities. During this ritual, the sanctum sanctorum of the temple remains closed and no outsiders are allowed inside.