Puri, Aug 11: Devotees are deprived of closely watching the Chandana Lagi ritual of Lord Jagannath for over the last four months.
Jagannath Temple Police (JTP) personnel and police force are not allowing devotees up to Bhitara Katha without any valid reason.
Earlier, devotees were allowed to watch Chandana Lagi ritual going up to Bhitara Katha.
The devotees are not being allowed to Bhitara Katha after Sandhya Alati to avoid blood stains, spitting, and other mishaps between Jaya Bijay Dwara and Bhitara Katha as such type mishaps will disturb Bada Mahasnana-like rituals, said Shree Jagannath Temple Office PRO Jitendra Narayan Mohanty.
The Chandana Lagi ritual takes place every day after the Sandhya Dhupa of the Trinity. After the completion of Sandhya Dhupa, the deities change their clothes and are anointed with sandal paste mixed with camphor and Keshar. The Puspalaka servitors perform this function.