Puri: General darshan at Puri Jagannath Temple will remain suspended for devotees for five hours on Wednesday, August 12, to facilitate the observance of Chitalagi Amavasya rituals, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) said on Tuesday.

According to the temple administration, the Chitalagi rituals of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra will be performed on the Amavasya of the holy month of Shravan.

As part of the arrangements, general darshan will remain closed from 2 pm to 7 pm on Wednesday after completion of the first Bhogamandap rituals.

Chitalagi Amavasya rituals

Chitalagi Amavasya, also known as Chitau Amavasya, is an important traditional Odia festival observed on the new moon day of the Shravan month.

On the occasion, the deities at Srimandir are adorned with their gem-studded golden Chitas, which are placed on their foreheads as part of the special ritual.

The Chitas are removed before Snana Purnima ahead of the annual Rath Yatra and are ceremonially reattached to the deities on Chitalagi Amavasya. The ritual is regarded as a symbol of divine renewal, protection and auspiciousness.

The special observance attracts devotees and highlights the rich ritual traditions associated with Lord Jagannath and the Jagannath culture of Odisha.

Chitau Pitha to be prepared across Odisha

Chitalagi Amavasya is also associated with a popular traditional delicacy, Chitau Pitha. The special rice-based pancake is prepared in households across Odisha as part of the festival.

The suspension of general darshan has been announced to facilitate the completion of the scheduled rituals inside the temple. Devotees visiting Puri on Wednesday have therefore been advised to plan their temple visit accordingly.