Why Puri City of Odisha is so Filthy : Exploring the Dichotomy in Indian Cities of Religious Importance

Cultural Extravaganza and Devotional Melodies    The temple premises resonate with the captivating tunes of devotional music and cultural performances, creating a vibrant tapestry of artistic expressions and spiritual fervor.

Puri is a popular pilgrimage town in the state of Odisha, known for its historic Jagannath Temple, stunning beaches, and vibrant local culture. While the town attracts a significant number of tourists and pilgrims throughout the year, it has also faced challenges related to waste management and cleanliness.

Khaja, a delectable sweet delicacy, holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike when sold outside the Jagannath Temple in Puri. These mouthwatering treats, known for their crispy, layered texture and irresistible sweetness, are a popular offering for devotees and tourists seeking a taste of the local culinary delights. As one strolls along the bustling streets surrounding the temple, the aroma of freshly prepared khajas tantalizes the senses, beckoning all to indulge in this traditional confectionery.

Several factors could contribute to the issue of cleanliness in Puri, including population density, rapid urbanization, infrastructure limitations, and waste management practices. In densely populated areas with high tourist footfall, maintaining cleanliness can be a significant challenge, particularly if there is a lack of effective waste management infrastructure or systems in place.

As you bask in the divine grace and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the temple, you will find yourself enveloped in a spiritual embrace that transcends the realms of the physical world, leaving an indelible mark on your heart and soul.

To address the issue of cleanliness and improve the overall sanitation of the town, concerted efforts are required from local authorities, community organizations, and residents. Initiatives such as public awareness campaigns, waste segregation practices, regular cleaning drives, and the implementation of effective waste management systems can play a crucial role in improving the cleanliness and overall environment of the town.

The Temple's Philanthropic Legacy    Beyond its spiritual significance, the Jagannath Temple is also renowned for its remarkable philanthropic initiatives and acts of compassionate service.

Efforts to promote sustainable tourism and responsible waste disposal practices can also contribute to maintaining the cleanliness and preserving the natural beauty of Puri. Additionally, the collaboration between local authorities, community groups, and residents is essential in creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment for both the residents and the visitors of Puri.

The Celebration of Rath Yatra    The Jagannath Temple is renowned for its annual Rath Yatra, an extravagant chariot festival that draws millions of devotees and travelers from around the world. The vibrant procession, with its elaborately decorated chariots carrying the deities, symbolizes the spiritual journey of Lord Jagannath to his aunt's place, the Gundicha Temple.

While it is not accurate to generalize that filthiness is directly related to religious tourism, the presence of popular religious sites, such as temples, can indeed contribute to the challenges of waste management and cleanliness in some areas. In many cases, religious tourism can lead to a surge in the number of visitors, putting a strain on local infrastructure and resources. This influx can result in increased waste generation and additional pressure on existing waste management systems, leading to cleanliness issues in the vicinity of these religious sites.

Behold the majestic grandeur and spiritual opulence of the Jagannath Temple, an iconic landmark nestled in the vibrant city of Puri, Odisha. With its rich tapestry of ancient rituals, cultural heritage, and profound philanthropic endeavors, this temple stands not just as a symbol of devotion but as a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity and the timeless allure of faith. Join us on a journey through the corridors of this sacred abode, where divinity converges with the rhythms of life, fostering a harmonious symphony of tradition, festivity, and compassionate service.

Moreover, the presence of large religious gatherings, festivals, and ceremonies can further exacerbate waste management challenges, especially if the necessary infrastructure and resources for handling the increased waste volume are insufficient.


However, it is crucial to note that not all religiously significant places or cities experience issues of filthiness. Many regions with religious prominence have successfully implemented effective waste management practices and strategies to ensure cleanliness and hygiene in and around these sites. Initiatives such as community participation, awareness campaigns, and the implementation of sustainable waste disposal systems can significantly contribute to maintaining cleanliness, even in areas with high religious tourism.


Efforts to balance religious tourism with sustainable waste management practices are essential to preserve the sanctity of these sites while ensuring the well-being of the environment and the local communities. Collaborative measures involving local authorities, religious institutions, community organizations, and visitors can play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges and maintaining the cleanliness of religiously significant places.

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While in Bhubaneshwar ( Odisha , we planned to drive to Konark Sun Temple and witness it's grandness & heritage.Temple has beautifully carved stone wheels, pillars and walls. A lot of portions of temple are in ruins, although remained part is being maintained. Some work was happening when we visited the temple this month (july’2016).Sun Temple in Konark is 65 kilometers from Bhubaneshwar and 35 km from Puri.ASI maintains the temple and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Konark Sun temple is also featured in the list of 7 wonders in India, along with Meenakshi Amman Temple of Madurai, Dholavira of Gujarat, Red Fort of Delhi, Jaisalmer Fort of Rajasthan, Nalanda of Bihar and Khajuraho of MP.The name Konark comes from Sanskrit words - Kona and Ark. Europian sailors had 2 important temples in this part of India - Konark Sun Temple and Jaganath Temple in Puri, which are called Black Pagoda and White Padoga respectively.Konark Sun Temple has used iron beams for it’s structure. It was made to look like Surya-Rath (Chariot of Sun God). There are 12 carved stone wheels which are 3 meters wide and is pulled by a set of seven horses, which you see on entry gate of the temple. It followed popular Kalinga Architecture.Maintenance of Konark Sun Temple was in progress and it made us feel good about the care ASI is taking of these beautiful heritage buildings in India. Although it made us worry about the way these structures are restored. Plain stones without any carving are being added to give support to the structure. It's understandable that same carving might be difficult to achieve but some creative stuff can be done. More than structure, the craved stones are decaying with time and wondering if there is a good way to avoid it. I am sure ASI must thinking about all these things.Konark Sun Temple is one of the most visited tourist places in Odisha and it's considered as one of the most popular places to visit around Bubaneshwar. We didn't want to miss and happy that it was a nice experience to be there. Although the weather was not suitable, but we had fun.There are some interesting facts about the architecture of Konark Sun Temple. Original temple had one part of the compound, which was 70 mgr high. Now the highest structure of the Sun Temple is 30 meters high, which is essentially the audience hall along with smaller structures like Dance hall and Dining hall.Orissa Tourism website  lists few interesting details around history behind this temple.Surrounding of the Konark Sun Temple is pretty green and the weather made it greener for us.We had great time roaming around this beautiful campus of Konark Sun Temple, which has lot to surprise you and make you think how it was built many centuries ago. Here we tried to click family selfie with our DSLR  and it came out well :)These are the Ashvas (horses) of Surya Rath. Somehow the faces are different and I am not sure why. There must be some reason behind these shapes.






























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