In Odisha, the long-awaited inventory of the ‘Ratna Bhandar’ (Treasure trove) at Shree Jagannath Temple will begin in Puri today after a gap of 48 years. The process commenced this afternoon, with authorised personnel and servitors entering the temple just a while ago, strictly adhering to a prescribed Standard Operating Procedure.

Only a limited number of designated individuals in traditional attire are engaged in the exercise. The ornaments are being counted, weighed and identified, and will be cross-checked with records from 1978. Officials have clarified that no monetary valuation is being carried out, and the focus remains on documentation and verification. To ensure transparency, videography, digital photography and 3D mapping are being undertaken, with gemologists assisting in identifying precious stones. The ornaments are being wrapped in colour-coded cloths and secured in specially prepared chests. The exercise involves representatives from the temple administration, the Reserve Bank of India, and government bank officials.