Don’t miss the latest developments in business and finance.

Naveen seeks Rs 1,397 cr central assistance for Nabakalebara

The state govt is making elaboarate arrangements for the occasion which is likely to witness a congregation of over 5 million pilgrims, tourists

Jayajit Dash Bhubaneswar
Last Updated : May 23 2013 | 9:14 PM IST
Undeterred by the Planning Commission’s refusal to grant special category status to Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has sought special central assistance of Rs 1,397 crore for the auspicious Nabakalebara festival due in 2015.

The state government is making elaborate arrangements for the momentous occasion which is expected to witness congregation of over five million pilgirims and tourists in Puri. The funds from the Government of India are needed for development works to be taken up for the festival, Patnaik pointed out in his letter to Montek Singh Ahluwalia, deputy chairman of the Planning Commission.

In his letter, the chief minister has dwelt on new infrastructure projects as well as strengthening of existing services and amenities needed for Nabakalebara, an important event in the ritual calendar of Puri Jagannath temple.

The grand ceremony calls for expansion of grid stations and distribution network for supply of electricity, augmentation of road network, establishment of healthcare and trauma centres and improvement of railway station.

“I seek your personal intervention for the support of the Planning Commission for this important religious and cultural event of eastern India,” Patnaik said in his letter to Ahluwaia.

Nabakalebara is an ancient ritual associated with the Jagannath temple when the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are replaced with a new set of idols. The last such ceremony was held in 1996.

More From This Section

First Published: May 23 2013 | 9:14 PM IST

Next Story