Odisha Government Plans Free Mahaprasad at Puri

The Odisha government, led by Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, is planning to distribute Mahaprasad of Lord Jagannath for free to devotees visiting the Srimandir in Puri, though the exact timing for this initiative has yet to be determined. This move has been welcomed by local servitors, who express hope for its success, recalling a previous limited distribution that was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic. An estimated 1 to 2.5 lakh devotees are expected to be served daily, with discussions ongoing to secure funding and logistics for the distribution. Additionally, a Bhyakhyana Kendra (Interpretation Centre) will be established to educate visitors about Jagannath rituals and culture. The government is also implementing AI technology for crowd control and security at the temple, ensuring a smoother experience for devotees. Overall, these initiatives aim to enhance the spiritual experience at the temple while promoting the Jagannath culture.