Digha Gears Up for Grand Inauguration of Jagannath Temple on Akshaya Tritiya
Digha, West Bengal – A spiritual fervor sweeps across the seaside town of Digha as it prepares for the grand inauguration of the newly constructed Jagannath Temple on Akshaya Tritiya (Wednesday). The ceremony will be graced by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who will lead the Pran Pratishtha (consecration ritual) of the deity.
Ahead of the auspicious event, Digha’s temple premises have come alive with traditional rituals and a Maha Yajna (grand fire offering) scheduled for today (Tuesday).
One of the highlights of the preparations is the arrival of 3003 lotus flowers and sacred water from the Susunia Hills in Bankura. The initiative was led by Bankim Mishra, president of the TMC-led Chatna Panchayat Samiti, who, along with a team of four, transported the items in a special vehicle on Monday. The convoy, accompanied by traditional sounds of dhak, kashar, conch shells, and uludhwani by women, left from Chatna around 10:30 AM and reached Digha by 4:45 PM.
Bankim Mishra stated, “The sacred lotus flowers and water from Susunia’s waterfalls will be used in rituals at the Digha Jagannath Temple as part of the massive religious preparations.”
The 3003 lotus flowers—a mix of red and white—were gathered from local ponds in the region and carried in bamboo baskets, while jars filled with Susunia spring water were regarded as sacred by the people of Rarh Bengal. Asked about the symbolic significance of the number 3003, Bankim clarified, “There’s no specific reason behind the number. It just came together.”
Simultaneous Celebrations in Bankura and Purulia
In Bankura, a parallel Maha Yajna is being held today at Machantala Taxi Stand, organized by Bankura MP Arup Chakraborty and the Bankura Municipality, led by Chairperson Aloka Sen Majumdar and MLA Falguni Singhbabu. Over 1,000 priests from various corners of the district are expected to take part, and over 15 kg of ghee will be offered into the holy fire.
Meanwhile, in Purulia, TMC leaders are preparing to observe the day with religious processions and worship rituals across both urban and rural areas. According to Somen Belthoria, TMC District President, large LED screens will be set up in each block for people to watch the temple inauguration ceremony live. The event will include temple pujas, processions without political flags, and community prasad distribution.
