Shree Jagannatha Heritage Corridor project in Odisha’s Puri to be dedicated on Jan 17

By Subrat Sarangi

BHUBANESWAR, NOV. 3: The much-awaited Shree Jagannatha Heritage Corridor project, popularly known as Shreekshetra Parikrama project, at Odisha’s pilgrim city Puri will be dedicated to people on January 17.

This was announced by Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, the king of Puri, on Friday.

The king on Friday reviewed the progress of the Parikrama project. The review was also attended by Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief Ranjan Kumar Das and the district collector Samarth Verma.

“The Parikrama project has nearly approached its completion and it will be thrown open for the public on January 17, 2023. A grand puja will also be held on that day,” the king said.

Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief administrator Kumar Das said the district administration has planned to inaugurate the Parikrama project on January 17 in a grand style. The public dedication ceremony, Das claimed, would attract devotees from India and abroad.

Praising the project, Das said, “People who paid a visit to Puri ten years ago will find the place has undergone complete change. The Parikrama project has completely transformed this place of pilgrimage. Devotees will now find it more beautiful and attractive with all necessary infrastructure put in place for their convenience.”

“As far as the Shree Setu project is concerned, it is in its last legs. I think it will be completed before the Parikrama Project inauguration, around December 15. However, the Jagannathballav Parking project may get delayed a bit. But we are planning to complete it before February next year,” the chief administrator added.

Shree Setu is the first trumpet bridge project in the state. This is being constructed to minimise traffic congestion and ensure smooth vehicular movement to the pilgrim town of Puri, may not be ready before the annual chariot festival of Lord Jagannath and his siblings.