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4mo ago

West Bengal Opens Puri-Style Jagannath Temple in Digha, Drawing Political and Cultural Focus

The Rs 250 crore temple, inaugurated by Mamata Banerjee, faces inter-state ritual disputes and political controversy as it seeks to blend spirituality with electoral strategy.

Digha Jagannath Temple illuminates with devotees attending in large numbers on its inauguration day in East Medinipur on Wednesday. (ANI)
Lord Jagannath Temple at Digha in the East Midnapore district (photo:IANS)
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Overview

  • West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the Jagannath Dham temple in Digha on April 30, 2025, modeled on the iconic Puri Jagannath Temple.
  • Built over 20 acres in the Kalinga architectural style, the Rs 250 crore state-funded temple features deities, intricate carvings, and facilities for traditional rituals.
  • Puri temple servitor groups and Odisha officials have objected to the use of the title 'Jagannath Dham' and replication of Puri's unique rituals, warning of cultural dilution.
  • The Trinamool Congress is leveraging the temple inauguration as a political outreach to Hindu voters ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, mirroring BJP's Ayodhya Ram Temple strategy.
  • BJP leader Dilip Ghosh's attendance at the inauguration and meeting with Mamata Banerjee has sparked internal party criticism and speculation about political realignments.