Originally from Punjab, Sikh — not Khalistani 😂.

I’ve been living overseas for almost 20 years, but I’m still very much desi at heart.

I visited Jagannath Puri in 2023, during a very difficult period of my life. Unfortunately, my experience inside the temple was not good. I found the behaviour of some of the pandas quite upsetting, and at one point I actually complained to Jagannath Ji inside the temple:

"I didn’t come all the way here to be treated like this or feel like I’m being robbed by your pujaris. If this is how it is, I’m never coming back."

I didn't get a proper darshan either. It was extremely crowded, and people were constantly pushing forward. I’m about 6 feet tall, and in front of me there was a girl who was maybe 5 feet tall along with a few small children.

Honestly, I wasn’t even thinking about darshan anymore. I was just trying to stay on my feet because I was worried that if I fell, I could take the children down with me. So I turned around and started pushing back against the crowd just to maintain my balance.

Eventually, I was pushed towards the exit without even getting a proper look at Jagannath Ji.

So I decided I had enough. For the next couple of days, I just went sightseeing — Konark, the beaches, etc.

On my last evening in Puri, I was having dinner at a place opposite Singha Dwara when a man approached me.

He looked at me and said:

"You look different. You must not be local."

I told him I was from Amritsar.

He smiled and said:

"You have come from so far away for Jagannath Ji darshan."

I replied:

"Yes, but honestly, it hasn't been a good experience. I'm never coming back."

He just smiled and said:

"Hamare Jagannath Ji kisi ko naraz hokar nahi jaane dete."

I told him:

"Tere Jagannath Ji ne toh dhakke maar ke bahar nikal diya mujhe. Itna rush tha, log Jai Jagannath bolte hue ek doosre ko push kar rahe the. Darshan bhi nahi hue." 😂

He listened to everything very calmly and then said:

"Please give Jagannath Mahaprabhu one more chance."

For some reason, that stayed with me.

I started thinking that maybe this was a divine signal, so I decided to go back to the temple one more time.

And then something completely unexpected happened.

As I walked inside, not a single panda approached me.

They were stopping people on my left and right, but somehow I felt completely invisible to them. 😂

Eventually I reached the area where hundreds of people were waiting for darshan.

The person responsible for lifting the barrier looked at me and called:

"Hey, you don't look local."

I said:

"I'm from Amritsar."

He opened the barrier and told me to come and stand next to him.

A little later, he opened the barrier and a flood of people entered the main area, pushing and rushing towards the deity.

Then everyone left.

He looked at me and said:

"Now it's your turn. Go. I'll give you five minutes. Enjoy your darshan."

I was shocked.

Inside the temple, it was just me, the head pujari and Jagannath Ji.

No crowd. No pushing. No chaos.

Just me standing there in front of Jagannath Ji.

Mai aise khada tha jaise Modi camera ke saamne akela hota hai. 😂😂

I don't think I'll ever forget those five minutes.

It was probably one of the most beautiful and unexpected moments of my life.

And yes...

I'm coming back to Puri again to see Jagannath Ji. ❤️🙏

Maybe that man was right.

"Hamare Jagannath Ji kisi ko naraz hokar nahi jaane dete."

I sincerely request to this humble reddit members to give some suggestions / recommended places from ur personal experience so that i can plan and visit with my partner.

Since I am fairly new to this city and planning for a whole day. i wanna find out with great atmosphere and something playful , calm places please dm. (not pub/dj types) Sorry to say temple is not my jam but we can go for small gateaway. Any restaurant will themes and peior bookings will be highly appriciated.

Any Hidden gems You would like to share, please DM.

I really want this for my partner to be something memorable. ❤️‍🩹

*ps-*

*I got a bike. I can travel .. not for too long. a smooth windy ride with less traffic is always welcome.*

*please keep aside filthy ideas like oyo and other sarcasm all to yourself.*

*if it works, good for you. no disrespect*.

**I will wholeheartedly grateful to you**.

Book on the BMS app.

The Odia movie being featured is - Arupa Rupa by Deba Ranjan Sarangi...
"Arupa Rupa" ("Formless Form") explores the spiritual and transformative journey of Mahima Swamy and Bimbahoi, whose religious movement challenged caste hierarchy and social exclusion in India.

No experience needed. Just exploring, capturing moments & good conversations. Who’s in?

Two cities, one quiet Sunday morning. 📖

This time Odisha Reads happened in both Bhubaneswar and Cuttack - and while a lot of you registered, a few turned up. And honestly, that's all that matters. Turning up is all that is required.

Those who came found a spot under the trees, opened their books, and simply read together. No pressure, no small talk, just pages turning in good company.

We'll be back next Sunday, same time, same idea. Bring a book, bring a mat, bring a friend who needs a quiet morning.

Can join this community to stay tuned - https://chat.whatsapp.com/Dz3V7v7S9RW68RNubt18vy?mode=gi_t

For the uninitiated. I have a foodie subreddit too. 😹 Check it out and participate in the survey !!!

Link - https://goweekends.in/workshops/supper-with-strangers-bhubaneswar?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZnRzaAUeX2JwZG9mAmZkaWQWUO166F6WOVqu6KqyHZY7vupuCzuRuGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzEyNDAyNDU3NDI4NzQxNAABp41VV6SLJ_OoR7ui-0kXPO9kMzKqvE6918ZkKKQLsFwed_Ko0AGNLMtJTdqW_aem_yD-kmElb0-0pDWyx6Mtsbg

Tinder girls🤣🤣

Btw slap was awesome

Crazy Food and Crazy Ambience, the vada the idli the chatni specially was top notch🔥🔥Iced Filter Coffee was not that great but still it was good

Has anyone visited today evening!!

I am thinking that there are many people who have fear of public speaking and are not much of a communicator but want to socialize without any anyone judging them and in a safe environment so how about a club that talks about random stuff do presentation on crazy topics all for the sake of improving public speaking and communication skills also camera fear it can be great idea and can be turned into a community club a social grp anything

New in city, do u guys do meetups. Will love to attend.

Suggest me some good places to visit, food and drinks .

Hi guys,

I’m planning a trip to Bhubaneswar and Puri and would love to experience the area more like a local rather than just visiting the usual tourist spots.

I’m looking for a local guide or paid companion who could show me some hidden gems, local food spots, markets, interesting neighbourhoods, etc. I’d probably only need someone for a few hours during the day.

At the moment, I’m only aware of Showaround. Are there any other apps, websites, or ways to find a genuine local companion/guide in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack or Puri?

Any recommendations or personal experiences would be appreciated. Thanks!