Puri: Proving the apprehension to be right, the holy flag fixed atop the Nilachakra at Sri Jagannath temple here snapped today due to strong wind ahead of the landfall of impending cyclone Fani.
The incident came to the notice of the servitors of the temple this morning with the IMD ADG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra informing that Fani is only 450 kilometres away from Puri and heading with a speed of 7 kmph.
Immediate step was taken to replace the flag with a new one by ‘Chunara’ servitors to avoid any disturbance in performing of rituals.
Notably, earlier yesterday the holy ‘Patitapabana Bana’ had been replaced by a smaller one following an order for the same by Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) for the safety of the Nilachakra as well as the shrine.
Ms Kalinga