In a major move to preserve the spiritual ambience of Puri, the Odisha government has announced a complete ban on the sale of liquor and meat along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) and within a two-kilometre radius of the revered Shree Jagannath Temple. The decision is part of a comprehensive plan to transform Puri into a model Pilgrimage City with a distinctive cultural and spiritual identity.
No Liquor or Meat Near Jagannath Dham
Addressing the media, Odisha Excise and Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan stated that no liquor shops, bars, or meat vendors will be permitted near the 12th-century temple, which draws millions of devotees from across India and abroad.
“No liquor shops and bars will exist within a two-kilometre radius of the temple and along the Grand Road. Sale of meat will also be prohibited,” the Minister said, emphasizing the state’s intent to uphold the sanctity of the area.
Uniform Architecture to Beautify Grand Road
The Minister also revealed that buildings along the iconic Grand Road, which leads directly to the temple, will be standardized under a common architectural plan. This includes uniform building height and façade design to ensure visual harmony and preserve the town’s heritage aesthetics.
“We have started preliminary work to enhance the height and look of the structures. If we come out successful, the look of Grand Road will change,” Harichandan noted.
The architectural overhaul is intended to align with the spiritual essence of Puri while enhancing the experience for pilgrims and tourists alike.
Push to Rename Puri Railway Station to ‘Shree Jagannatha Dham’
In a related development, the Jagannath Sena, a prominent local socio-cultural group, has renewed its demand to rename the Puri railway station to ‘Shree Jagannatha Dham Puri Railway Station’. The organization submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister and the Railway Minister, urging that the renaming coincide with the ongoing renovation of the station.
Jagannath Sena convenor Priyadarshan Patnaik said the name change would reflect the city’s profound spiritual identity and align with national trends where station names honor local heritage.
“Renaming would strengthen Puri’s cultural and religious identity and enhance its recognition as a major pilgrimage destination,” he stated.
Pilgrimage City Vision: ‘Samrudha Odisha 2036’
This initiative complements the Odisha government’s broader ‘Samrudha Odisha 2036’ vision, which aims to position Puri as a globally recognized center for spiritual tourism and heritage conservation. Officials say these reforms will not only protect the city’s sanctity but also elevate its infrastructure and cultural profile.
