Puri, Ap 8: On the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya on April 20, the 21-day Bahar Chandan Yatra will begin at the world-renowned Jagannath Temple in Puri, marking the start of preparations for the temple’s grand Rath Yatra.

In an evening meeting chaired by the temple’s Chief Administrator Arabinda K Padhee, the Chhatisha Niyog Committee finalized the policy and arrangements for Akshaya Tritiya. The committee also discussed measures to ensure that devotees can have a smooth and meaningful darshan of the deities.

According to the finalized schedule, on Akshaya Tritiya, the Dwadasha Yatra and Nakshatra Bandhana will begin at 3:00 PM, followed by Biman Ku Diyan Bije at 3:30 PM and the Rath Ajnama Bije at 4:00 PM. Later in the evening, at 10:00 PM, the Chandan Thakur Bahuda Bije will take place. Temple officials emphasized coordination among all service staff to ensure smooth execution of all activities.

Earlier, on March 25, the counting and inventory of the temple’s Ratna Bhandar ornaments were completed. The second phase of inventory for the outer Ratna Bhandar will begin on April 8. Counting will take place on April 8–11 and April 13, with another round scheduled for April 16–18.

On April 14, the temple will use new Ratna Pala during the Odia New Year after completing necessary rituals. The older Ratna Pala will be preserved in the Niladri Museum. The Chhatisha Niyog Committee will decide the final placement of the old Ratna Pala.

The meeting at the temple office was attended by the Puri District Collector, SP, temple administration officials, and representatives of the Chhatisha Niyog Seva staff.