Bhubaneswar, July 15: Ahead of the annual Shree Jagannath Rath Yatra commencing on Thursday, a newly constructed Bhojan Mandap at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Kushamati-Chhanaghar village under Jatani was inaugurated on Wednesday by Jatani MLA Bibhuti Bhushan Balabantray.

The inauguration ceremony was held on the temple premises in the presence of a large gathering of villagers, devotees, and local dignitaries, who participated with religious fervour and enthusiasm.

The Bhojan Mandap has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 9 lakh, sanctioned from the MLA's Local Area Development (MLALAD) funds. The facility is expected to provide better arrangements for serving Mahaprasad and hosting community feasts during religious festivals and other temple events.

Addressing the gathering, MLA Balabantray announced an additional Rs 3 lakh grant for the further development and expansion of the Bhojan Mandap to enhance facilities for devotees visiting the temple.

Chhanaghar Sarpanch Subhasini Biswal expressed gratitude to the MLA for his continued support towards the development of the village and his contribution to promoting cultural and religious activities in the region. She appreciated his efforts in strengthening infrastructure at local places of worship.

Among those present at the event were local representatives, social activists, and Jagannath devotees, including Durga Charan Sahoo,  Prasann Subudhi, Pabitra Biswal, Kalu Rautray, Jayant Sahoo, Raja ParidaSilu Parida, Bauri Bandhu Sahoo, Bapi Rautray, Taguda Mohanty, Sunil Rautray and several others.

The ceremony concluded with prayers seeking the blessings of Lord Jagannath for peace, prosperity, and the successful conduct of the upcoming Rath Yatra festivities.