Bhubaneswar, October 13: In a significant announcement, Odisha’s Law Minister, Prithiviraj Harichandan, shared that the state government will soon offer free Mahaprasad to devotees visiting the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
The initiative is set to begin after the Hindu holy month of Kartik, enhancing the spiritual experience of thousands of pilgrims who visit the temple.
Minister Harichandan estimated the cost of this offering to be between ₹12 and ₹14 crore annually. The state government will collaborate with donors to fund this initiative and arrange a dedicated budget.
Mahaprasad, the sacred offering of Lord Jagannath, holds immense religious significance, and this move is expected to attract more devotees to the temple.
Minister Harichandan also emphasized the state's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the Habisyali—women who observe penance during Kartik month and stay in Puri for the entire duration.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, along with the Puri district administration, has made elaborate arrangements to accommodate these women during the month-long rituals.
