The serene beach town of Digha in East Midnapore witnessed a landmark spiritual moment this Sunday when eight-year-old Kakoli Jana from Kolkata's Tollygunge became the one croreth (10 million) devotee to visit the Jagannath temple since its inauguration. The young girl's arrival marked an extraordinary milestone for the coastal shrine, highlighting its rapid ascent as a major pilgrimage hub.
A Grand Welcome for the Croreth Devotee
Kakoli Jana, a Class II student, stepped into the temple complex with her family for a year-end getaway, unaware she was about to make history. The temple authorities, tracking visitor numbers, identified her as the one croreth pilgrim and accorded her a grand welcome. The overwhelmed child and her family received special darshan, mahaprasad, and garlands.
"I was very surprised to be felicitated… I am very happy," Kakoli told reporters. Her father, Surajit Jana, a trader, expressed the family's profound emotions. "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," he said.
More Than Numbers: Spiritual and Economic Resurgence
Temple trustee and chief priest Radharamn Das emphasized that the milestone transcended mere statistics. "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 stated. He credited Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's vision for strengthening Bengal's spiritual heritage while creating lasting economic opportunities.
The temple's impact on the local economy has been nothing short of revolutionary. Official data reveals a stunning boom: businesses in Digha recorded revenues exceeding ₹100 crore in just over six months (until October), compared to ₹50-60 crore in the entire previous 12 months. Industry projections suggest this figure could cross ₹150 crore by March 2026, indicating a 200% growth in a single fiscal.
The surge has benefited a wide cross-section of the community:
- Hoteliers and transport operators seeing year-round business.
- Flower sellers, priests, artisans, and small vendors reporting sustained growth.
- Generation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs, especially for local youth.
Global Draw and Infrastructure Expansion
Built under a Bengal government initiative, the temple has attracted a significant international following. Devotees from Europe, the Americas, Africa, Australia, and Southeast Asia, particularly ISKCON followers, regularly visit. Many find it a serene and accessible alternative to traditional pilgrimage centers, combining worship with the tranquility of a seaside retreat.
The district administration has supported this growth with focused infrastructure planning. East Midnapore District Magistrate Purnendu Maji noted the remarkable enthusiasm and the exponential growth in Digha's popularity. To manage the overwhelming response, the temple now opens its donation boxes every three to four days, with a recent collection amounting to ₹7.32 lakh. Additionally, 500-550 mahaprasad thalis are prepared daily across four bhog sessions.
With crowds swelling, expansion plans are already underway. During a recent visit, Hidco chairperson and state minister Chandrima Bhattacharya directed authorities to double the temple's dining capacity from 1,000 to 2,000 seats to ensure devotees can comfortably partake of the bhog. This move underscores the state's commitment to nurturing Digha's transformation from a seasonal beach destination into a thriving, year-round spiritual and economic center.
