This time, the newly constructed Jagannath Dham in Digha is adding even more excitement to the Dol festival. The festival will be celebrated with great enthusiasm on March 3 and 4. However, due to the coincidence of Dol and a lunar eclipse, some changes have been made to the temple entry schedule.
Radharaman Das, a member of the Digha Jagannath Dham Trust Board, announced the special arrangements.
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On the first day of the festival, March 3, devotees will be allowed to enter the temple from 6 AM to 3 PM. On regular days, the temple remains open from 6 AM to 1 PM and from 3 PM to 9 PM. However, on this day the temple doors will remain closed from 3 PM to 7 PM because of the lunar eclipse.
After the eclipse ends, the temple will reopen following the ritual bathing of the deities and dressing them in new clothes. Kirtan, devotional songs and dance will continue throughout the night, and special prasad arrangements have been made for devotees.
Special rituals and expected tourist rush in Digha
On the following day, March 4, the deities will be offered abir from 5 PM to 8 PM as part of the Dol celebrations. A large number of devotees are expected to gather at the temple premises over the two days.
Meanwhile, hotel businessmen in Digha are also hopeful about a surge in tourist numbers. With winter ending and temperatures gradually rising, along with the completion of secondary and higher secondary examinations, tourism stakeholders expect a strong holiday turnout.
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The local administration has already begun preparations to handle the expected crowds.
District Magistrate Yunis Rishi Ismail said, “Every year during Dol, there are record crowds in Digha. The administration has already become active to ensure the safety of visitors.”
