New Dress Code for Servitors at Jagannath Temple’s Ananda Bazaar

Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has introduced a saffron-colored uniform for servitors at the Ananda Bazaar to ensure discipline, professionalism, and uniformity in the sacred space where Mahaprasad is sold. The new dress code, approved by the Suara Mahasuara Niyog, will come into effect on December 25.

The decision reflects a concerted effort to bring a sense of decorum to Ananda Bazaar, a vital part of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Suara Mahasuara Niyog, in consultation with the SJTA, made this decision as part of broader measures to improve the experience for devotees and maintain the sanctity of the temple.

Earlier, the SJTA deployed a team of 20 retired army personnel to oversee activities at Ananda Bazaar, ensuring the sale of fresh Mahaprasad and monitoring servitor conduct. These personnel, dressed in civil attire, work in two shifts—from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM—to maintain discipline among servitors and devotees.

Additionally, servitors involved in the sale of Anna Mahaprasad and Sukhila Mahaprasad are now allowed to engage one assistant each to streamline their responsibilities and enhance service efficiency.