The daily flag-changing ritual at Odisha's famous Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri continued uninterrupted despite severe weather conditions caused by Cyclone Arnab. Amid heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds across Puri and nearby coastal areas, temple servitors carried out the centuries-old tradition of replacing the sacred flag atop the temple's 214-foot-high spire.
 

The incident has attracted widespread attention, particularly after a video showing the ritual during the storm circulated on social media. One of the most striking aspects was that the sacred flame and the lamp used during the prayer reportedly continued to burn despite the heavy rain and powerful winds.
 

The flag flying above the temple's highest structure, known as the Neelachakra, is called the 'Bana'. According to temple tradition, it is replaced every day around sunset by specially appointed servitors known as Chunara Sevaks.
 

The ritual involves the servitors climbing the 214-foot-high temple structure barefoot and performing the task with considerable skill. On the evening of October 30, when strong winds and torrential rain were affecting the region due to the cyclone, the Chunara Sevaks climbed the structure carrying the new sacred flag.
 

As part of the customary ceremony, a lamp is lit and the servitors perform a circumambulation of the Neelachakra while changing the flag. Despite the adverse weather, the ritual was completed and the new flag was hoisted at the top of the temple.
 

Religious Tradition Behind the Daily Flag Ritual
 

The flag-changing ceremony holds considerable religious significance at the Shri Jagannath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra.
 

According to religious belief, the daily flag-changing tradition must not be interrupted under any circumstances. A traditional belief associated with the temple holds that if the flag is not changed even for a single day, the temple's doors may have to remain closed for the following 18 years.
 

This belief is cited as one of the reasons why the Chunara Sevaks continue to perform their duties with dedication, regardless of challenging weather conditions.
 

The successful completion of the ceremony during the cyclone, along with reports that the sacred lamp continued burning, has drawn considerable attention among devotees. Many worshippers have viewed the incident as a reflection of Lord Jagannath's divine power and blessings.
 

The incident has once again brought the temple's long-standing religious customs and the dedication of its servitors into the spotlight.