Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) will come up with a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline the ‘Pahandi’ ritual during Rath Yatra, ensuring the safe transfer of idols to and from chariots.
This follows an incident on July 9, 2024, when Lord Balabhadra’s idol slipped on ‘charamala’ during Adapa Bije Pahandi rituals while being shifted to Shree Gundicha Temple. Presence of excess servitors on the chariot is said to have led to the mishap.
Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee announced that a ‘Pahandi Dala’ (team) will be formed for each chariot and the number of servitors will be finalised by SJTA, Puri Collector, Chhatisa Nijog, and other stakeholders in a future meeting. “A government official will oversee each team, and measures will be taken to control crowds near the idols,” he said.
The ‘Pahandi’ ritual involves servitors moving giant wooden idols of the sibling deities during Rath Yatra, to Shree Gundicha Temple, and back during Bahuda Yatra and Neeladri Bije.
The chief administrator said that a detailed discussion was also held on the rituals and arrangements for the Snana Purnima, Rath Yatra and Bahuda Yatra.
Padhee further stated that the length ‘charamala’ will be increased to maintain a smooth slope. “The ban on use of mobile phones atop the three chariots of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath will continue. Non-servitors will be barred from climbing the chariots. Only a handful of servitors on duty will be allowed to board the chariots. Violators will be dealt with strictly and police cases will be registered against them,” he added.
RATH YATRA JUNE 27 SCHEDULE
Mangala Alati at 6 am, Rath Pratishtha until 9 am, Pahandi from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, ‘chhera pahanra’ from 2:30 pm to 3 pm, and chariot pulling at 4 pm.
