President Droupadi Murmu, on the third day of her six-day visit to Odisha, undertook significant spiritual engagements in Puri on Wednesday, performing Pind Daan rituals at Shvetaganga before offering prayers at the historic Sri Jagannath Temple. The visit highlighted the President’s deep cultural and spiritual connect with Odisha, particularly its sacred traditions and pilgrimage centres.
Soon after arriving in the holy town, President Murmu visited Shvetaganga, one of the five principal sacred water bodies (Panchatirtha) of Puri. At the revered site, she performed the traditional Pind Daan ceremony, a Hindu ritual dedicated to seeking peace and liberation for the souls of one’s ancestors. Shvetaganga holds immense spiritual importance as it is believed to be intrinsically connected to the River Ganga and is frequently visited by devotees during Pitru Paksha and other auspicious occasions.
Following the ancestral rites, the President proceeded to the 12th-century Sri Jagannath Temple, one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. She offered prayers to Lord Jagannath, accompanied by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. The visit was conducted under heightened security arrangements, with public darshan temporarily suspended until 10 am to facilitate the smooth conduct of rituals, including the Gopal Vallabh Bhog.
As a mark of honour, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) felicitated President Murmu with traditional Khandua silk and a finely crafted Pattachitra painting, reflecting Odisha’s rich artistic heritage. The artwork depicted the Dashavatara of Lord Vishnu, with Lord Jagannath at its centre, symbolising the state’s deep-rooted devotional and cultural legacy.
Security was significantly tightened in and around the temple premises during the President’s visit, with coordination between temple authorities, district administration and security agencies to ensure a seamless and dignified experience.
After completing her engagements in Puri, President Murmu departed for Rairangpur in Mayurbhanj district, her native region, aboard an Indian Air Force helicopter. During her stay in Mayurbhanj, she is scheduled to attend multiple official and public programmes over the next three days. Her itinerary includes the inauguration of the Mahuldiha Holiday Home, interaction with local communities, and a visit to the Rairangpur Jagannath Temple on February 5.
The President is expected to conclude her Odisha tour and return to New Delhi on February 7. Her visit underscores a blend of governance, cultural heritage, spiritual tradition, and grassroots engagement, reflecting her continued emphasis on inclusive development and connection with local communities.
