Puri, Sept 29: Public darshan of the Holy Trinity-Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra-at Puri Srimandir will remain restricted for four hours on Wednesday due to the Banakalagi Niti.
According to reports, darshan will be suspended from 6 pm to 10 pm to facilitate the ritual.
Also known as Srimukha Sringara, Banakalagi Niti is performed around seven to eight times a year. During the ritual, the deities receive special facial adornment while seated on the Ratnavedi.
Also Read: Jagannath temple to remain closed for five hours tomorrow for Banakalagi rituals
The term Banakalagi comes from Bana, meaning forest, and Lagi, meaning to apply.
— Shree Jagannatha Temple Office, Puri (@SJTA_Puri) September 29, 2026
According to cultural experts, rare forest-based ingredients are used to prepare four traditional colours-haritala, hengula, sankha and black-which are applied to the faces of the deities.
The ritual is performed by a special group of servitors known as Datta Mahapatra.
