If you’re planning to visit the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri today, you might want to take note—the temple was closed to the public for five hours, from 5 PM to 10 PM, to carry out one of the most sacred and age-old rituals called ‘Banakalagi Niti’.
But what exactly is this ritual, and why is it so important that even darshan (viewing of the deities) is restricted?
What is Banakalagi Niti?
Let’s break it down:
- ‘Banaka’ in Odia means colour or make-up.
- ‘Lagi’ means to apply.
So, ‘Banakalagi’ literally means applying colour to the face, or in this context, repainting the faces of the deities—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra.
This is not your regular temple touch-up. It’s a highly spiritual cosmetic ritual, done with organic, traditional colours, where the idols are given a refreshed appearance. Think of it like the Lord’s makeover—but with deep religious meaning.
Who Performs the Ritual?
Only a particular group of servitors called Datta Mohapatra are allowed to perform this sacred ritual. These families have been carrying out Banakalagi for generations, and they follow a strict, traditional process.
They paint the divine faces with utmost devotion and precision, ensuring the Lords look ever fresh and beautiful for their devotees.
Why Is the Temple Closed During This Time?
Because Banakalagi is a secret ritual. That means:
- No devotees are allowed inside the sanctum (inner chamber).
- The temple gates are closed for a few hours.
- Even most temple staff don’t have access during this time.
This level of secrecy is observed to maintain the sanctity and mystery of the ritual. It’s believed that the divine energy during Banakalagi is intense, and only the trained, spiritually prepared servitors can be present.
When Is This Ritual Performed?
Today’s ritual took place on the Sukla Panchami Tithi of the Chaitra month in the Odia calendar. That’s considered an auspicious day for performing Banakalagi. But it’s not a one-time event—it happens multiple times a year.
Each time, it ensures that the Lords are not just maintained physically but also spiritually refreshed.
Can Devotees Still Visit the Temple?
Yes, sort of. While darshan of the main deities is completely closed during Banakalagi, devotees can still offer prayers to the side deities in other parts of the temple complex during those five hours.
After the ritual, the Lords reappear in their freshly decorated form, bringing joy to thousands of followers who believe that each appearance brings new blessings.
Why This Ritual Matters
Banakalagi isn’t just about paint—it’s about devotion, discipline, and spiritual renewal. It keeps the divine energy of the deities alive, helps preserve the centuries-old idols, and connects the modern-day temple with its ancient roots and practices.
It’s a powerful reminder that tradition is not just about what we see—it’s also about what we believe and how we preserve that belief through rituals full of meaning.
