Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Odisha’s Puri has strongly objected to the planned Rath Yatra at Jagannath Mandir in Ferozepur Cantonment, Punjab, scheduled for May 23, stating that the event deviates from the sacred traditional calendar and scriptural guidelines governing Lord Jagannath’s festivals.
This marks the latest instance of the Puri administration stepping in against what it views as “untimely” celebrations, following a similar objection to proposed early Rath Yatra and Netrotsav events in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh.
In a formal letter addressed to Ferozepur District Magistrate Deepshikha Sharma, SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee urged the district administration to intervene and halt the observance on the proposed date. Padhee emphasised that, according to established ‘Tithi’ calculations and age-old rituals followed at the Puri temple, the Rath Yatra for 2026 is slated for July 16. “Any celebration of this sacred festival on a date other than the one prescribed by tradition and scriptures could deeply hurt the religious sentiments of millions of devotees of Lord Jagannath across India and abroad,” Padhee stated in the communication.
The SJTA’s attention was drawn to the event through widespread publicity materials and social media posts promoting the May 23 observance at the Ferozepur temple.
Padhee highlighted that the SJTA’s Managing Committee, chaired by Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, has consistently passed resolutions opposing such deviations from the Puri temple’s traditions in the past. The administration has requested the Ferozepur district authorities to ensure that any Rath Yatra proceeds strictly in line with the rituals and timings observed at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. “Your timely intervention in this matter will help uphold the sanctity of this revered festival and preserve the religious sentiments of countless devotees,” it added.
Rath Yatra involves the grand procession of deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra on massive chariots, drawing millions of devotees annually in Puri. Temple authorities maintain that adherence to the lunar calendar and scriptural customs is essential to preserve the sanctity of the event.
Local organisers in Ferozepur have not yet issued a public response to the SJTA’s directive.
