Puri, May 28: A powerful thunderstorm with strong gusts and heavy rainfall lashed the coastal town of Puri on Wednesday evening, damaging the sacred Patitapabana Bana (holy flag) atop Shree Jagannath Temple.The flag, mounted on the temple’s Nilachakra (blue wheel) at a height of about 214 feet, was torn due to the intense winds during the sudden Kalabaisakhi (Nor’wester) storm. Despite the damage to the flag, there was no disruption to the temple’s daily rituals. All scheduled rituals proceeded smoothly, temple sources confirmed.According to reports, several “Manasika Bana” flags were torn apart and blown away due to the intense wind. Some of the damaged flags got entangled in the lightning arrestor antennas installed above the temple premises, while others were swept away to unknown locations by the strong gusts. The damage was noticed after the rain and storm subsided.The sudden spell of Kalbaisakhi rain and strong winds intensified around 7:30 pm in Puri. While the sky had remained overcast since afternoon, heavy rain accompanied by frequent lightning and thunder began lashing the town during the evening hours.Meanwhile, the strong winds and rainfall brought slight relief from the prevailing heat in Puri, with temperatures dropping by around 2 to 3 degrees Celsius. However, despite the night temperature hovering around 29 degrees Celsius, residents reportedly experienced weather conditions similar to 36 degrees due to high humidity levels.According to temple servitors, Chunara Sevayats hoist Patitapabana Bana every afternoon before Sandhya Dhupa ritual. This daily practice carries profound religious significance for devotees of Lord Jagannath
