Delay in Puri Jagannath Temple committee formation sparks concerns ahead of Rath Yatra

Unusual delay in forming a new managing committee for Puri Jagannath Temple in Odisha, around nine months after the previous term ended, has sparked concerns among the temple servitors. This might affect the annual Rath Yatra, sources said on Sunday.

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The uncertainty looms particularly as preparations are needed for the upcoming 9-day sojourn of the Holy Trinity, an internationally acclaimed festival. Despite these worries, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan has assured that the temple operations will continue without disruption.

The last Committee meeting had taken place in August 2024 following the Rath Yatra, and its term expired on September 2, 2024. Since then, the announcement of a new committee has seen repeated postponements, leading to unease among the temple servitors who are integral to the temple's operations and rituals.

Effectiveness of temple management questioned

Some servitors question the effectiveness of temple management in the absence of an official committee and have raised concerns about the impact on future festivals, should this delay persist.

Local MLAs have also underscored the importance of timely appointments to oversee the ceremonies, such as Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra.

In the interim, the committee chaired by Gajapati Maharaja continues to make key decisions regarding temple affairs. The recent convening of a key meeting of Chhatisa Nijog to discuss the Rath Yatra, without an officially appointed committee’s endorsement, has prompted further discussion about the governance processes.

While names for new appointees are still being considered, the Law Minister has expressed confidence that temple operations will not be compromised.

Nevertheless, critics are concerned that failing to appoint a new managing committee could undermine its long-term significance.

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“A review is being done to decide who are to be included. The temple managing committee is already there and Gajapati Maharaja is its permanent President. Since only the term of temporary members of the committee has ended, a new one is needed to be formed. Besides, the committee under Gajapati’s leadership can still take all operational and any other decisions as and when required,” the Law Minister said to mediapersons.