Digha Jagannath Dham footfall touches 1.3 cr on 1st anniversary

Kolkata: On the eve of its first anniversary, Jagannath Dham, Digha, has crossed a remarkable milestone, welcoming over 1.3 crore pilgrims since its inauguration last year. The landmark comes just ahead of Akshaya Tritiya, when the temple will complete one year of operations.Inaugurated on April 30, 2025, the seaside shrine in Digha has rapidly evolved into one of eastern India's fastest-growing pilgrimage destinations. Devotees from across the country, along with a steady stream of international visitors, particularly ISKCON followers, have contributed to the surge in footfall.Temple authorities attribute the growth to both spiritual appeal and improved connectivity. "The arrival of more than 1.3 crore devotees within a year is not merely a statistic — it is a testament to the boundless mercy of Lord Jagannath and the deep spiritual yearning of the people," said Radharamn Das, vice-president of ISKCON Kolkata and trustee and chief priest of the temple. "Jagannath Dham, Digha, has become a place where devotion unites hearts beyond all boundaries."Beyond its religious significance, the temple has triggered a noticeable economic upswing in the coastal town. Hoteliers report near year-round occupancy, a shift from Digha's earlier seasonal tourism pattern. "Earlier, we depended heavily on weekends and holidays," said Bipradas Chatterjee, joint secretary, Digha Hoteliers' Association. "Now, rooms are filling up even on weekdays because pilgrims keep coming throughout the year."Small traders and vendors echo similar optimism. Jatin Kumar Maity, a trader operating near the temple complex, said daily sales have risen sharply since the shrine opened. "From prasad items to souvenirs, everything is in demand. The temple has changed our livelihoods," he noted.Local transport operators have also benefited from the steady inflow of visitors. "There's consistent demand for autos and taxis now. Pilgrims need transport from the station to hotels and the temple," said Raghu Guchait, a driver operating in the area.Highlighting the broader impact, Radharaman Das added, "This dham has not only uplifted the spiritual lives of millions but has also brought tangible economic benefits to the people of Digha. From small vendors to large establishments, the entire ecosystem has witnessed positive transformation."With the first anniversary set to be marked on Akshaya Tritiya, authorities are preparing for large-scale celebrations, including special rituals and ceremonies expected to draw even larger crowds. Civic officials are also stepping up arrangements for crowd management, sanitation and traffic control.Get real-time updates and result insights on the CBSE 12 Result 2026.