As non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple premises, the travel trade urges the Chief Minister to set up a small auditorium for visitors, equipped with a 3-D show depicting the history and culture of the temple
Buoyed by the joy of the Golden Beach at Puri being awarded the prestigious Blue Flag certification, the travel trade in Odisha anticipated a significant amount of footfall in the Land of the Jagannath. To acquaint increasing number of tourists with the origin, culture, history and rituals of Puri’s Jagannath Temple, the tourism industry stakeholders have urged Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to set up a small auditorium near the library or meditation centre for visitors.
Currently, non-Hindus and foreigners coming to Puri, are not allowed to enter the temple. In a letter to VK Pandian, Private Secretary to the Chief Minister, JK Mohanty, Member – State Tourism Promotion Council & Tourism Advisory Committee, Govt of Odisha, writes, “Today, even our younger generations do not know the history and origin of the Jagannath Temple. This will be a great step by your Government where non-Hindus will get a chance to see on a three-dimensional screen the origin, culture, history and rituals of the Jagannath temple, even though they may not be allowed to visit inside the temple.”
Celebrating the Golden Beach’s certification, along with seven other beaches in India, Mohanty applauds the state’s efforts and states, “On behalf of the travel trade and the people of Odisha, we wish to congratulate Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha and your good self for getting the Blue Flag certification for Puri Beach. Indeed this is a proud moment for the people of Odisha. We also congratulate you for directly supervising the beautification and cleanliness around the temple of Lord Jagannath, Puri.”
Urging the government to set up the auditorium equipped with a 3-D screen, the stakeholders opine that Puri would definitely become one of the most attractive beaches in India and this will also help attract global attention.