Puri Jagannath Temple Bans Paan Gutka, Reinforces Dress Code For Devotees

The Puri Jagannath Temple Administration has declared a comprehensive prohibition on paan and gutka consumption within the sacred precincts of the 12th-century shrine.

In an official order, the administration stressed the collective moral responsibility to uphold the temple’s sanctity.

Chief Administrator Ranjan Kumar Das emphasized, “Effective immediately, no paan or gutka shall be consumed within the temple premises and its surroundings. Recognize this not as my directive but as the divine commandment.”

Applicable to servitors, devotees, police officers, and temple employees, the order encompasses temple offices and guest houses managed by the administration. Despite an earlier advisory, this decree ensures stringent enforcement.

Citing concerns over paan stains and discarded gutka packets tarnishing the temple’s sanctity, the administration vows strict enforcement with penalties for violators.

In addition to the ban on paan and gutka, the administration cautions against bringing external flowers or food in polythene bags into the temple premises.

Building on an earlier call for “decent attire,” the temple administration reinforces its dress code advisory. Effective January 1, 2024, ripped jeans, shorts, and sleeveless outfits will be disallowed within temple premises.

As the temple officials disseminate awareness about the dress code outside the main entrance, they affirm the unwavering implementation of this rule from the New Year onward.

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