Odisha Plans Alcohol And Meat Ban Near Jagannath Temple To Uphold Sacred Ambience

The Odisha government has expressed its intention to prohibit the sale of alcohol and non-vegetarian food in the temple’s vicinity.

Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Monday (9 June) said that liquor shops and bars will be banned within a 2 km radius of the 12th century shrine, while eateries serving meat and fish along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) will be asked to relocate, as reported by TOI.

“Puri is one of the four sacred dhams in the country. We want to develop Puri into a pilgrim city. Liquor shops and bars will not be allowed to operate within 2 km radius of the temple. The Bada Danda (Grand Road) will be free from non-vegetarian food shops. Our objective is to maintain the spiritual atmosphere around the Jagannath Temple,” said Harichandan.

The decision, still in the planning stages, will affect two licensed liquor shops and two bars within the restricted zone.

Additionally, over 70 vendors and restaurants along the 3 km stretch between the Jagannath and Gundicha temples will need to be moved.

Officials noted that the regulations would be rolled out in phases. “The new regulations will be implemented in phases to ensure smooth transition for all stakeholders. The shopkeepers will be taken into confidence before finalisation of the decision,” a senior government official was quoted as saying.

Debasis Das of Srikhetra Swabhiman Mancha welcomed the move, “This is a long-awaited move that will help preserve the spiritual sanctity of the temple surroundings.”

Senior servitor Binayak Dasmohapatra also supported the plan. Chhatisa Nijog, representing temple servitors, recently raised concerns over visitors arriving inebriated, reinforcing calls for the restrictions.

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