The Chief Administrator of the Jagannath temple administration and Tourism and Culture Secretary Dr Aravind Padhee announced sending a concrete proposal with details of annual expenditure for arrangement and performance of Sri Ramaleela (Sahi Jata) for 11 days.
The festivities are celebrated in the temple from the Ram Navami till the death of Ravana with Ramabhisheka in Nandigrama at the SriJagannath Ballav Mutt. The proposal has been sent to the Government for the approval and sanction of expenses in shape of grants to the Sahis to meet expenses of arrangements with related cultural functions of all Jaga and Akhadas, now active in Puri each year.
This Jata (Yatra) includes observation of birth of Ramchandra Mahapravu, the Jagyan Rakhya, Seeta Bibaha, Haradhanu Bhanga, Parasuram leela, Banabasa, Mayamriga, lankapodi by Hanuman, Setu Bandha, Ravana Badha and at last the Ramabisheka leela.
The huge expenses are being borne by the people of Sahi. However, due to lack of funds and finances, some enactments have since been stopped partially. At this time the steps taken by Dr Padhee will surely boost enthusiasm in local people to revive Puri’s cultural heritage.