Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurates Jagannath temple corridor project

Soon after the inauguration, Puri king Dibyasingha Deb offered the ‘Purna Ahuti’ to the three-day Maha Yajna, which began on Monday as a precursor to the grand event. After concluding the yagna, Patnaik accompanied by his trusted aide VK Pandian, Puri king, dignitaries, and members of different cultural troupes walked around the heritage corridor for almost 1 km. The chief minister is scheduled to release a few documentary videos on the project and felicitate everyone involved in the execution of the Parikrama Project before leaving for Bhubaneswar.

Ahead of the inauguration, Patnaik in an open letter and video message on Tuesday described Lord Jagannath as the supreme identity of every Odia. “Lord Jagannath is the nerve centre of Odia identity and deeply associated with our history, tradition and culture. The deity is the symbol of religious harmony. This is a glorious moment in the history of Odisha that we have been blessed to witness the divine transformation,” Patnaik said.

“It is a day of celebration and devotion for the entire Odia community. So, I request, let us all celebrate this day, this festival, by surrendering to the Lord for his blessings. Let’s express our devotion by lighting a lamp, blowing conches, beating gongs, worshipping, singing sacred hymns and chanting Jai Jagannath. Let’s celebrate this day with devotion, joy and enthusiasm in every house of Odisha. I request all Jagannath devotees in the country and abroad to celebrate the opening of the heritage corridor project with devotion,” Patnaik said.