Thousands throng Jaganth temple

Bhubaneswar, Jan 1: Odisha Chief Minister veen Patik was among the thousands to visit Sri Jaganth temple in Puri on Sunday to take the blessings of deities on new year day. The Chief Minister offered prayers at the temple.

“Hearty greetings for a joyous, peaceful and healthy new year. May 2017 motivate us to work more committedly for progress and prosperity of Odisha,” tweeted Patik.

Visitors also crowded the Chandrabhaga beach and Kork temple to get a glimpse of the sunrise on the first day of 2017.  Other places in the state, especially tourist spots, were packed with picnickers. Renowned artist Sudarsan Pattik has created a sand sculpture of Lord Jaganth at the Puri beach to welcome 2017. Artist Mas Kumar Sahoo created a sand sculpture of Jesus Christ at the beach. (IANS)