Puri: In a significant announcement, Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan stated on Sunday that the state government will soon begin distributing free Mahaprasad to devotees at the revered Puri Jagannath Temple. This initiative aims to cater to the large number of pilgrims visiting the temple daily, with the government allocating an estimated budget of Rs 14-15 crore annually for the free distribution.
The minister emphasized the spiritual and cultural importance of Mahaprasad, which devotees traditionally share with their families and neighbors after returning home from the temple. “The government is committed to ensuring that no devotee leaves without Mahaprasad. We have requested the public to donate generously to support this initiative,” said Harichandan.
He further mentioned that while the government will fund the scheme, contributions from devotees will play a crucial role in sustaining it. “Given the number of devotees visiting the temple, the annual expenditure will amount to around Rs 14-15 crore. The free distribution of Mahaprasad will be supported by donations from the public,” the minister added.
In addition to the Mahaprasad initiative, Harichandan also addressed concerns over the crowd management at the temple, assuring devotees that measures are being taken to streamline the darshan process. “Starting from the month of Margashira, which falls in mid-November, the darshan process will be made smoother to ensure a more convenient experience for pilgrims,” he said.