Puri, July 19: The Sheree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Sunday informed that the Gundicha Temple will be out of bounds for devotees for six hours today for a special ritual called ‘Banakalagi.” In a public notice, SJTA said that darshan inside the temple will be suspended from 9 PM to 3 AM.

“Banaklagi” is a secret and special ritual where the faces of the trinity - Lord Jagannath and His siblings – elder brother Lord Balabhadra and their younger sister Devi Subhadra - are coloured afresh.

“On Sunday, 19th July 2026, Banakalagi Niti of the Holy deities will be performed. Therefore, after the completion of the second Bhoga Mandapa offering, Public darshan will remain temporality suspended from 9 PM tonging to 3 AM,” stated the notice.

During the “Banakalagi” ritual, also known as “Srimukha Sringara”, is performed by Dutta Mohapatra servitors. Natural colours prepared from herbs and certain traditional materials, including ‘kasturi’ (musk) and ‘karpura’ (camphor), are used for colouring the faces of idols.

Following their grand arrival at the Gundicha Temple on Saturday night on “Goti Pahandi”, the deities, have now taken seats at the sanctified Adapa Mandap, the ceremonial platform within the temple.

However, public darshan of the deities will be suspended for six hours today as the “Banakalagi” ritual is a deeply symbolic and spiritual aspect of Jagannath culture, signifying restoration and rejuvenation after the long ceremonial journey from Shreemandir to the Gundicha Temple, also known as the "Aunt's House."