Kakoli from Kudghat marks 1-crore milestone at West Bengal’s Jagannath Temple in Digha

DIGHA: When eight-year-old Kakoli Jana, from Kudghat in Tollygunge, stepped into the Jagannath temple in Digha on Sunday with her parents and younger brother, she was surprised by the grand welcome she received from the temple authorities.


With her arrival, the temple management announced that 1 crore devotees had visited the temple in the eight months since its inauguration on April 30.



Kakoli and her family were accorded special darshan and presented with mahaprasad and garlands, the temple authorities said.


Overwhelmed by the reception, Kakoli — a Class II student — told TOI, “I was very surprised to be felicitated… I am very happy.”


Her father, Surajit Jana, said, “We feel immensely blessed and honoured. Being part of such a historic moment at Jagannath Dham is an experience we will cherish forever. It truly feels like the grace of Lord Jagannath.”


Surajit, a trader, had planned the trip to the seaside resort in East Midnapore as a quick year-end getaway.


Temple trustee and chief priest Radharamn Das described the 1-crore milestone as more than just a numerical achievement. “It is a sacred affirmation of Lord Jagannath’s universal embrace. Jagannath Dham, Digha, has become a meeting point of nations, cultures and hearts,” he said. He also acknowledged the role of CM Mamata Banerjee, stating her vision has strengthened Bengal’s spiritual heritage while creating lasting economic opportunities for local communities.


The authorities noted that the milestone reflects the growing spiritual pull of Lord Jagannath and the success of the coastal shrine in blending devotion with modern infrastructure.


The Jagannath temple, built under Bengal govt initiative, has also become a major draw for international pilgrims, especially followers of Iskcon.


Devotees from Europe, the Americas, Africa, Australia and Southeast Asia regularly visit the temple. Many overseas visitors see the shrine as a serene and accessible alternative to traditional pilgrimage centres, combining worship with the tranquillity of a seaside town.


According to the temple authorities, Digha has witnessed a steady shift from being a seasonal beach destination to a year-round pilgrimage hub since the inauguration of the temple. Hoteliers, transport operators, flower sellers, priests, artisans, and small vendors have all reported sustained business growth. The surge in pilgrim footfall has generated thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, particularly for local youth.


The economy of the seaside town has boomed, with businesses recording revenues of over Rs 100 crore in just over six months (until Oct), compared to the Rs 50 crore-Rs 60 crore registered in the previous 12 months. Industry estimates project this growth to cross Rs 150 crore by March 2026 — a 200% increase in a single fiscal.


District administration officials said the rapid rise in the footfall at the Jagannath temple has been supported by sustained infrastructure planning and crowd-management measures. East Midnapore district magistrate Purnendu Maji said, “Since its inauguration, the enthusiasm surrounding Jagannath Dham in Digha has been remarkable. Alongside this, the popularity of Digha as a destination has also grown exponentially.”


The district administration, he said, has prioritised infrastructure development for both the temple complex and the surrounding tourism zones.


Officials said the temple’s popularity is also reflected in its donations. When the hundi (collection box) was opened earlier this week, collections stood at Rs 7.32 lakh, prompting Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre Trust to decide on opening donation boxes every three to four days to manage the volume.

Mahaprasad has emerged as another major attraction, with 500-550 thalis prepared daily across four bhog sessions.With crowds continuing to swell, the state government is planning further expansion. During a recent visit, Hidco chairperson and state minister Chandrima Bhattacharya directed the authorities to double the temple’s dining capacity from 1,000 to 2,000 seats to ensure devotees can partake of bhog comfortably.




Get a chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here