On the eve of the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today sent traditional offerings to the Lord Jagannath temple.
Modi has been sending offerings to the temple ahead of the Rath Yatra for the last many years.
"As always, the PM has kept his commitment and sent sprouted moong, jamun, pomegranate and mangoes, which will be offered to Lord Jagannath," said the head priest of the temple, Dilipdasjee Maharaj.
According to temple trustee Mahendra Jha, Modi had stayed in the temple for a brief period during his early days.
"Since he (Modi) stayed here during his early life, when he was not a known figure, Modi is attached to the temple," he said.
Sprouted green gram and jamun are traditionally offered to Lord Jagannath during the chariot procession.
The 141st Rath Yatra will start from the Jagannath temple in Jamalpur area amid tight security tomorrow morning and those expected to attend the event include Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and many other leaders.