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Temple gates adorned with 3,000 kg of flowers

Temple gates adorned with 3,000 kg of flowers

Time of India26-06-2025
Puri: The Jagannath Temple is being transformed into a floral paradise as preparations for Friday's
Ratha Yatra
reach their final stages. Nearly 3,000kg of assorted flowers are being used to decorate the temple gates, including the historic Singhadwara, Nata Mandap and Bhoga Mandap, along with the Gundicha Temple.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has sourced a variety of flowers including marigolds, tuberoses, orchids, and roses from Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Bhubaneswar for the grand decoration. A team of 40 local artists from Puri is working under the guidance of master floral designer Santosh Rana to create the elaborate arrangements.
"This year, we're implementing new designs with fresh ideas while maintaining the traditional essence," said Debabrata Sahoo, an SJTA official.
"The decorations are meant to enhance the divine ambiance for the ceremonial procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra before their annual journey to the Gundicha Temple."
In line with environmental concerns, the decoration team is exclusively using eco-friendly materials. "From bamboo frames to cotton threads and jute ropes, we've strictly avoided thermocol, plastic wires, and any non-biodegradable substances," Sahoo explained.
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Master designer Rana emphasized the spiritual significance of their work. "This is not just decoration; it's a service to the Lord," he said. "We've used color combinations that reflect tradition and divinity, working round the clock to complete the arrangements by midnight."
The team has incorporated biodegradable support materials such as banana stems, coir mats, and natural fiber nets to ensure the decorations withstand crowd pressure and weather conditions while maintaining environmental sustainability.
While floral decorations are a relatively recent addition to the temple's centuries-old traditions, they have become an integral part of the Ratha Yatra celebrations. The adorned temple premises are already drawing admiration from early visitors and servitors, setting the stage for the arrival of thousands of devotees expected during the festival.
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