Digha Jagannath Temple: Records Over 50,000 Visitors on Sunday – Highest Footfall to Date

Digha Jagannath Temple: Records Over 50,000 Visitors on Sunday – Highest Footfall to Date (PTI image)

The newly inaugurated Jagannath Temple in Digha witnessed a record-breaking crowd on Sunday, clocking over 50,000 visitors in a single day, marking the highest footfall so far. Since its grand opening on April 30, the temple has attracted more than 10 lakh devotees in just five days, establishing itself as a major spiritual and tourist hub in West Bengal.

Massive Weekend Crowd

According to East Midnapore District Magistrate Purnendu Kumar Maji, who was present at the temple along with senior police officers to oversee the situation, extra precautions were taken to manage the large crowd. He noted that the huge Sunday turnout was largely due to weekend travellers flocking to Digha, a popular beach destination.

Managing the Rush

The main rush was around the sanctum sanctorum, where people were eager for a glimpse of Lord Jagannath. Police personnel, equipped with loudspeakers, urged devotees not to linger near the deity to avoid crowding and potential discomfort. Visitors were seen enthusiastically clicking photos, recording videos, and taking selfies inside the temple complex.

Digha Jagannath Temple Timings & Entry

The temple follows a daily schedule similar to the iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri. Doors open at 6 AM, close at 1 PM, reopen at 3 PM, and shut again at 9 PM. Devotees can enter through Gates 6 and 7. The temple also aims to create its own identity with special offerings like ‘sandesh’ and ‘gaja’, similar to Puri’s famous ‘khaja’.

The incredible footfall has thrilled the tourism department and district administration. Officials reported full bookings in nearby tourist spots such as Mandarmani, Tajpur, and Shankarpur, indicating a massive boost to local tourism and hospitality industries.

An official remarked, “While it’s hard to give an exact number, the crowd throughout the day suggests a record-breaking turnout.”

Devotees Share Their Experience

Devotees from across states have been sharing heartfelt experiences. Sanjeev Kumar from Bihar said, “I rushed to Digha to see Lord Jagannath and was mesmerised by the darshan. I last came here six years ago, but this time I brought my whole family.”

Similarly, Sabuj Biswas of Thakurnagar and his friend from Durgapur felt the temple exuded the same spiritual vibe as Puri’s iconic shrine.

With such an overwhelming response, Digha’s Jagannath Temple is swiftly emerging as a new spiritual hotspot, drawing in thousands with its devotion, architecture, and divine presence.