Puri: Srimandir, the abode of Lord Jagannath, is likely to face green coconut crunch for various rituals in the wake of cyclonic storm Fani that had uprooted and destroyed thousands of coconut trees in Puri district.
According to sources, the servitors require altogether 36 green coconuts for the performance of daily rituals at the 12th century shrine.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) used to collect green coconuts from two gardens of the shrine located in the Holy City. Besides, the temple administration was collecting green coconuts from the premises of Srigundicha temple here.
However, cyclonic storm Fani, that made a landfall on Puri coast May 3, has uprooted hundreds of coconut trees at Srimandir gardens. As a result, the temple administration may face green coconut crunch to perform various rituals of the presiding deities, said a source.
“Coconuts and green coconuts are essential for various rituals at Srimandir. The temple administration should look into the issue,” said heritage expert Surendra Mishra.
Moreover, the summer storm has taken a heavy toll on the livelihood of hundreds of coconut farmers in the district.
Thousands of coconut trees in Puri Sadar, Brahmagiri, Satyabadi and other areas of the district have been uprooted by the May 3 storm.
“Many people were earning a livelihood by selling coconuts. Several farmers were selling green coconuts alongside the Bhubaneswar-Puri National Highway. The cyclone has taken a heavy toll on the coconut trade in the district,” said Anil Das a villager.