‘Momentous’ inauguration of Jagannath temple on Akshaya Tritiya: CM
Times of India | 17 April 2025
Kolkata: The newly constructed Jagannath temple would be inaugurated on April 30, Akshaya Tritiya, between 3pm and 3.10pm, after the ritualistic consecration of Lord Jagannath begins around 11am, CM Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday after convening a high-level meeting. The CM added that darshan would begin once the gates were opened to the public. A cultural programme will be held around 2-2.30pm, before the inauguration.
"This inauguration will be a momentous occasion and the result of years of planning. It will be Bengal's new icon, a pilgrimage site for several years to come. The temple will boost livelihoods. Digha is now a new place for work and worship. It is a new heritage attraction," said Banerjee.
Events will begin on April 29 with a yagna by priests. After the consecration, the responsibility of the temple will be handed over to Iskcon.
State govt will open a bank account for all willing to donate in the next 48 hours. The CM said she would make the first donation of Rs 5,00,001 for the golden broom to be used during Rath Yatra.
In the backdrop of Maha Kumbh, Banerjee also stressed the importance of crowd management. "If we wanted, we could have hyped this like Maha Kumbh," she said. "But while the temple is grand, the roads leading to it aren't very wide. If we bring lakhs of people, where will they go? This is why we will set up LED TVs in all blocks so that people all over Bengal can watch."
"There have been deaths at Kumbh due to accidents. The traffic system must be organised. Appoint nodal officers for this," Banerjee added.
Taking aim at UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Banerjee said: "Yogi is saying big things. He is the biggest ‘bhogi'. How many people died in the Maha Kumbh stampede? Did he publish the correct figures? So many are killed in police encounters in UP. He doesn't even allow peaceful rallies."
The CM also asked the administration to prioritise common people over VIP attendees. "For the two-day celebration, three air-conditioned hangars will be erected at the site. Hangar 1 can accommodate 6,000 and the main podium for the inauguration will be here," she said.
Banerjee said approximately 12,000 visitors could come, adding that temporary accommodations would be arranged in nearby open grounds.
She also directed officials to ensure CCTV coverage. "Make temporary watch towers at every important location throughout the route. In Midnapore, from Kolaghat to Digha, we will have CCTV cameras in place. Howrah should also have surveillance. There should be ambulances ready in case of any need," the CM said.