Bhubaneswar/Hapur: In a significant move to preserve the sanctity and traditional timing of Lord Jagannath’s festivals, a religious outfit in Uttar Pradesh’s Hapur district has agreed to postpone its proposed Rath Yatra, originally scheduled for June 14.
This development comes after strong objections from the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri, Odisha, mirroring a similar intervention in Punjab.
The authorities of the Bhagaban Shree Jagannath Ratha Yatra Seva Samiti submitted written consent to the Hapur district administration, committing to align their celebrations with the traditional schedule set by the Puri temple. Hapur officials promptly informed SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee of the decision.
Padhee expressed gratitude to the Hapur district administration for the swift action. “We are grateful to Hapur district administration for the prompt and thoughtful intervention in upholding the sanctity and traditions of the sacred observance of Ratha Jatra. Mahaprabhu’s blessings be with all,” he wrote on X.
The SJTA had earlier written to Hapur authorities urging them to preve
nt the event, emphasising that such observances must follow scriptural prescriptions, traditional tithis (lunar dates), and the established rituals of the Puri shrine. The outfit had planned Netrotsav on June 13 and Rath Yatra on June 14, which the SJTA described as “untimely” or “adinia.”
As per the traditional Hindu calendar for 2026, Netrotsav at Puri is set for July 14, with the grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra scheduled for July 16. The return journey (Bahuda Yatra) is expected on July 24.
This resolution in Hapur follows a similar case in Punjab, where Ferozepur Jagannath Temple also deferred its proposed early Rath Yatra following protests and requests from Puri authorities. Both incidents highlight growing efforts by the SJTA to ensure uniformity in the observance of Jagannath-related festivals across India, preventing deviations that could dilute centuries-old traditions.
Social media reactions on X (formerly Twitter) reflected widespread support for the decision, with users praising the coordination between Odisha and Uttar Pradesh administrations to uphold religious protocols. Many devotees emphasised the importance of adhering to Puri’s sacred calendar for the festivals’ spiritual authenticity.
The joint intervention by Odisha and Uttar Pradesh governments has been lauded as a proactive step in safeguarding the cultural and religious heritage associated with Lord Jagannath, whose annual Rath Yatra in Puri draws millions of devotees from around the world.