In a significant move, the authorities of the Puri Jagannath Temple have decided to address the perennial issue of overcrowding during the distribution of the temple’s prasad. Every year, especially on special occasions like the Rath Yatra or Dol Purnima, devotees flock to the temple in large numbers, eager to receive the sacred prasad. However, the immense crowds often lead to chaos, making it difficult for the temple administration to manage the situation. To tackle this, the temple authorities have announced the creation of a separate dining zone where prasad will be served to devotees in a more organized and peaceful manner.

This new dining area, called “Annakhetra,” will be located outside the northern gate of the temple. Devotees can buy prasad from the existing Anand Bazaar and then move to the Annakhetra to consume it in a less crowded environment. The temple administration hopes this initiative will alleviate the pressure on the Anand Bazaar, which often struggles to accommodate the influx of thousands of devotees during peak seasons. Additionally, the temple’s cooking facilities, including the kitchen at the Gundicha Temple, will undergo extensive renovation to improve food preparation for the thousands of devotees who partake in the prasad during major festivals like the Rath Yatra.