The temple treasury was last opened 46 years ago in 1978 and the reopening of it was a major political issue in the state during the recently concluded elections.

The Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is as ancient as the Jagannath Temple itself. It marks the journey of the Holy Trinity to their maternal aunt, Goddess Gundicha Devi's Temple, and concludes with their return after eight days.

With the ‘anasar’ period reduced to 13 days as per the temple almanac, the Nabajouban Darshan for the public has been dropped.

Addressing a press conference following his first Cabinet meeting, newly-elected Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi declared the proposal of opening temple's gates.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has ordered an administrative-level inquiry into the incident, and announced ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased.

Accompanying him were state BJP president Manmohan Samal, MP candidate Sambit Patra, and Puri MLA nominee Jayanta Sarangi.