Written by Sweety KumariKolkata | Updated: December 29, 2025 07:33 AM IST 2 min readJagannath Dham, Digha, crossed the mark of 1 crore visitors on Sunday (Photo: Jagannath Temple Digha)In a new benchmark for spiritual tourism in India, Jagannath Dham, Digha, crossed the mark of 1 crore visitors on Sunday.This feat comes less than a year after the temple’s inauguration on April 30, 2025, marking a massive shift in the region’s cultural and economic landscape.A young girl named Kakoli Jana, daughter of Surajit Jana from Tollygunge, Kolkata, was symbolically identified and honoured as the 1,00,00,000th visitor.Radha Raman Das, vice-president of ISKCON said, “The arrival of the 1,00,00,000th devotee is not merely a numerical achievement; it is a sacred affirmation of Lord Jagannath’s universal embrace.The family was accorded special darshan and presented with Mahaprasad and sacred garlands by temple authorities.“We feel immensely blessed and honoured. Being part of such a historic moment at Jagannath Dham, Digha is an experience we will cherish for a lifetime. It truly feels like the grace of Lord Jagannath,” said the Jana family.The temple has rapidly evolved into a vibrant international center of devotion, attracting members of the ISKCON community from over 150 countries — spanning Europe, the Americas, Africa, Australia, and Asia.Story continues below this adDas, who is also the chief priest and trustee of Jagannath Dham, Digha, said that the temple offers a unique blend of sacred tradition and modern infrastructure.“The result is a unique global spiritual confluence where Bengali devotion meets international Vaishnava culture,” he said.The “Digha Transformation” has turned a once-seasonal seaside town into a year-round economic powerhouse, energizing hotels, restaurants, and lodges.Das extended gratitude to the state’s leadership, saying, “I offer my heartfelt thanks to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Sushri Mamata Banerjee, whose far-sighted vision made this temple possible.”Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd