Digha Jagannath temple: Rituals underway before Akshaya Tritiya inauguration; Opposition BJP raises questions on construction quality, temple management

The 213-foot-tall temple, built in the Kalingan architectural style using sandstone, is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balaram, Goddesses Mahalaxmi, and Subhadra. It is set to be inaugurated by CM Banerjee on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on Wednesday. The temple is expected to become a significant tourist and pilgrimage destination, enhancing both the spiritual and economic value of the coastal town of Digha.

The rituals leading up to the “Pran Pratistha” have commenced, with a “Kalash Yatra” performed by devotees on Saturday.

Banerjee shared her sentiments on social media, saying, “It is our faith that teaches us to stand tall through hardships, shapes our spirit, roots us in humility, and reminds us that even in our frailty, we are infinite. The Jagannath Temple in Digha will soon open its doors, welcoming not only the people of Bengal but pilgrims from across India. The countdown has begun, with rituals being performed each day. May this temple serve as a sanctuary of hope, peace, and unity for generations to come.”

The rituals leading up to the “Pran Pratistha” have commenced, with a “Kalash Yatra” performed by devotees on Saturday. (Express Photo)

However, the scheduled inauguration has sparked political controversy. Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Bengal Assembly, has raised concerns regarding the temple’s construction quality and management.

In a post on X, Adhikari tagged Dr H K Dwivedi (IAS Retd), Vice Chairman, West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBHIDCO) Ltd, and questioned the official designation of the temple site as ‘Jagannath Dham Sanskriti Kendra’ (cultural centre).

“What will happen to the donations made by the devotees in the future? Will it be considered as ‘Temple property’ or HIDCO’s source of income from the Cultural Center?” posted Adhikari.

The temple project, announced in 2019, commenced construction in May 2022 under HIDCO’s supervision.

BJP’s Amit Malviya also alleged corruption and political motives behind the construction of the temple, citing recent thunderstorm damage as a potential “divine intervention” and accused the government of misleading Hindus for political gain.

“A devastating Kalbaisakhi (nor’wester) wreaked havoc in Digha on April 26, 2025 – just days before the inauguration of Mamata Banerjee’s Jagannath Temple on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. As the storm raged, a light gate collapsed on a toto, with the driver narrowly escaping. Worse, the temple’s iron gate crumbled, seriously injuring a passerby. Is this merely nature’s fury – or divine intervention?” he wrote.

“Prabhu Jagannath does not reside where falsehood, fraud, and selfishness reign. This Kalbaisakhi was not just a storm – it was His message,” added Malviya.

The West Bengal government has invited Opposition leaders, including LoP Adhikari, former BJP MP Dilip Ghosh, and his newly wed wife Rinku Mazumdar, for the inauguration ceremony.