Hike in Jagannath darshan ticket rates from June 1

In what could come as a shocker to lakhs of devotees thronging the famed Sri Jagannath temple in Puri, the administration has decided to hike fees of entry tickets for special darshan of the Trinity – Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra – with effect from June 1.

A devotee will have to pay Rs 50 instead of Rs 25.

The special darshan is allowed 7 times a day, starting from mangal aalati in the early hours and ends at night before the God goes to sleep, according to the tradition and rituals.

During these hours, visitors with tickets can enter the sanctum sanctorum. Barring the seven occasions, devotees are allowed to have a darshan of the deities from a distance known as sahana mela.

Administration sources said the authorities on an average sold around 12,000 tickets everyday. The number goes up during special festivals.

An official said the proposal to hike the fee was taken earlier but stalled due to the elections. Devotees elsewhere pay more money in other temples to get a privileged darshan of deities.

However, servitors of the temple have decided to oppose the proposed fee hike. (Source – The Telegraph)