01-05-2025
Luchi With Aloor Dom, Mishti Doi & More: How Bengal Welcomed Lord Jagannath With 156 Types Of 'Bhog'
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The grand inauguration of the Jagannath Dham in Digha was a divine celebration of culture, devotion, and Bengali cuisine
The grand Pran Pratishtha and Dwar Udghatan ceremonies of the newly built Jagannath Dham in Digha took place on Wednesday, marking a spiritually significant moment in Bengal's religious and cultural landscape. The rituals were conducted with traditional fervour and the event drew a massive crowd of devotees, cultural icons, political leaders, and members of the public from across the state.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the temple with the first ceremonial Aarti and offered a symbolic gold broom to the temple authorities. In her address, she said, 'People from all backgrounds, faiths, and communities—from North Bengal to South Bengal—are present here today. This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the local people. I thank every contributor—from the cultural community to industrialists and countless devotees. Your support is deeply appreciated."
She further urged for peace and unity and shared that the administration has been directed to ensure that both the visuals of the inauguration and the holy prasad are distributed across Bengal and beyond.
The temple's main structure follows the traditional architectural elements of a Jagannath temple, featuring the Vimana (Garbha Griha), Jagamohan, Nat Mandir, and Bhog Mandap. The complex boasts a majestic 45-foot-high entry gate, an 840-foot-long central pathway made of white marble, flanked by 12 Diya Sthambhas, each fitted with 52 Diya brackets, and 108 sacred steps leading up to the sanctum housing the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
An astonishing 156 types of bhog were offered on Wednesday, highlighting the richness of Bengali vegetarian cuisine. Some of the special dishes served included: Moong Dal, Aloo Posto, Kachkolar Kofta (Raw Banana Kofta), Dhokar Dalna, Khichuri (Bengali-style Khichdi), Beguni (Battered Fried Eggplant), Pulao, Luchi with Aloor Dom, Misti Doi (Sweet Yogurt), Roshogolla (Rasgulla), Payesh (Rice Pudding), Sandesh, Goja, Khaja, Plain Rice, and much more.
Sweets hold a special place in the offerings, as Lord Jagannath is said to be especially fond of them. Traditional Bengali sweets like Khaja, Goja, and Pera are offered daily. Each day begins with sweets, and five separate bhog offerings are made throughout the day. At night, the Lord is given a glass of milk before retiring for the night—an age-old tradition maintained with devotion.
The inauguration also featured captivating cultural performances, including a dance presentation by Dona Ganguly and her troupe, adding further grace to the sacred celebrations.
Former BJP president Dilip Ghosh, who visited the temple with his newlywed wife, was warmly welcomed by the chief minister just after the inauguration.
The Jagannath Dham in Digha is not only a spiritual haven but also a celebration of Bengal's culinary, cultural, and architectural excellence, and is set to become a major pilgrimage and tourist destination.
First Published:
May 01, 2025, 09:12 IST
