Puri, Nov 30: A light-and-sound show is set to be introduced at the outer wall of the Gundicha Temple, with the Managing Committee of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) approving the master plan prepared for the project, a source said Sunday.

The proposed installation will be located on the southern side of the temple’s Singhadwara (Lion Gate), where the outer enclosure offers suitable space for projection and seating.

According to the source, the master plan has been formally approved by the temple’s Managing Committee. The show will present the history of the Gundicha Temple, its cultural significance, and visual depictions related to Jagannath traditions. The content will be finalised by the SJTA’s cultural sub-committee.

Officials said the Gundicha temple remains largely unoccupied for most of the year except during the annual Rath Yatra, when the Trinity stays at the temple for the nine-day sojourn. The proposed show is expected to increase tourist footfall during the remaining months. A decision is yet to be taken on whether the show will be free or ticketed.

Meanwhile, concerns have been raised over the unused musical fountain at Narendra Pond, installed in 2017 at a cost of over Rs 7 crore. The structure has remained non-functional for years, prompting renewed demands for its revival. Every evening, Narendra Pond was expected to dazzle with sound, light and water displays. The musical fountain installed to entertain tourists has now fallen silent and was shut down without any official announcement. Due to administrative inaction and a lack of maintenance, the floating panels and pontoons at the centre of Narendra Pond are now overgrown with weeds and wild grass. Most mechanical components have rusted or broken down. The viewing gallery has remained damaged since March this year.

Residents and local stakeholders argue that before new projects are taken up, existing public installations -- especially those built at significant cost -- should be restored.

Also Read: You Must Know These New Entry Rules Before Visiting Puri's Gundicha Temple

New Rules to Enter Gundicha Temple
Entry to Gundicha Temple will now be regulated under revised norms by Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). From December 1 onwards, devotees will be allowed entry on a trial basis with a nominal fee of Rs 10 per person. Entry will remain free for children under 5 years, elderly devotees above 80, and persons with disabilities. Visits will be allowed daily, with opening hours set at 6am to 6pm (5pm during winter months of November through February). All entry and exit will be through the southern Singhadwara (Lion Gate), and accessible ramps have been reviewed to facilitate movement of differently-abled visitors.