Puri Jagannath Temple pushes for error-free Panjika to end festival date confusion

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri stepped up efforts on Tuesday to ensure the publication of accurate and error-free Panjika (almanac) containing correct information on the temple rituals and festivals.

Also Read: 5 Panjikas approved by Puri Jagannath Temple pandit sabha for 2026–27

This was discussed at an important meeting convened today by the Srimandir authorities to address recurring discrepancies in festival dates and tithis.

At the second Panjika coordination meeting held in Puri, five Panjika publishers submitted their manuscripts. Senior Sevayats (servitors) of the temple and administrative officials were also present during the deliberations.

In an earlier meeting, there was a demand to introduce legal provisions under the Srimandir Act to take action against publishers releasing error-ridden Panjikas.

Despite repeated meetings and attempts by the temple administration to bring uniformity and accuracy through coordination, several Panjika publishing houses have reportedly stayed away from the process.

The issue has gained importance after confusion among devotees last year over dates of major festivals such as Paya Sraddha, Saraswati Puja, Kali Puja, Shivratri and Janmastami.

During today’s meeting, detailed discussions were held on last year’s discrepancies and the need to ensure flawless dates and tithis going forward, with the aim of restoring public confidence and avoiding future confusion.

“In order to ensure error-free information in Panjika and calendar and to give due respect to the sentiments of devotees, elaborate discussions were held (in the second meeting of all stakeholders), and emphasis was given on flawless publication of the Panjika and calendar,” the SJTA Chief Administrator, Arabinda Padhee, said.

“The SJTA had received five manuscripts from Radha Raman, Kohinoor, and Arunodaya almanacs, along with those from Bhagya Deep and GN Tripathi Panjika publication houses,” the SJTA Chief Administrator expressed while briefing to mediapersons.

Worth mentioning, Muktimandap Pandit Sabha in Puri Jagannath Temple had previously approved five Panjikas (almanacs) on January 29 for the year 2026–27, following a key coordination meeting held at the Srimandir office premises.

The decision was taken after detailed deliberations on Panjika reconciliation and accuracy.