The festival is being celebrated in a grand manner in Puri and this year’s Rath Yatra assumes much significance as devotees are participating in the grand event after a gap of almost two years.
The public participation in Rath Yatra (2020 and 2021) was stopped owing to the Covid-19 restrictions.
President of India Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on the auspicious occasion of Rath Yatra today.
“Best wishes to all on the auspicious occasion of Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath. I pray for peace, happiness and prosperity in everyone’s life with the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath,” tweeted President Kovind.
भगवान जगन्नाथ की रथ यात्रा के पुनीत अवसर पर सभी देशवासियों को हार्दिक बधाई और शुभकामनाएं। मेरी कामना है कि महाप्रभु जगन्नाथ के आशीर्वाद से सभी के जीवन में सुख, शांति और समृद्धि का संचार हो।
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 1, 2022
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter to greet the people of the nation on Rath Yatra. “Greetings on the special day of Rath Yatra. We pray to Lord Jagannath for his constant blessings. May we all be blessed with good health and happiness,” tweeted Modi.
Recently, during his address to nation through radio programme, ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Modi had said, “Lord Jagannath conveys many deeply human messages through his journey during the world-famous Rath Yatra.”
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik tweeted, “Wishes to all on the auspicious occasion of Rath Yatra.”
ମହାପ୍ରଭୁ ଶ୍ରୀ ଜଗନ୍ନାଥଙ୍କ ପବିତ୍ର ରଥଯାତ୍ରା ଅବସରରେ ସମସ୍ତଙ୍କୁ ହାର୍ଦ୍ଦିକ ଅଭିନନ୍ଦନ ଓ ଶୁଭେଚ୍ଛା ଜଣାଉଛି। ଚତୁର୍ଦ୍ଧାମୂର୍ତ୍ତିଙ୍କ ଆଶୀର୍ବାଦରୁ ପ୍ରତ୍ୟେକଟି ଜୀବନ ମଙ୍ଗଳମୟ ହେଉ। #ରଥଯାତ୍ରା୨୦୨୨ #RathaJatra2022 pic.twitter.com/X73RavncR5
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) July 1, 2022
BJP national president JP Nadda and BJP national vice-president Baijayant Panda also conveyed their wishes on Rath Yatra.
“Best wishes to all on the auspicious Jagannath Rath Yatra which has religious, cultural and spiritual importance,” tweeted Nadda.
धार्मिक, सांस्कृतिक एवं आध्यात्मिकता से परिपूर्ण पवित्र जगन्नाथ रथ यात्रा की आप सभी को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं।
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) July 1, 2022
महाप्रभु श्री जगन्नाथ जी के आशीर्वाद से सभी का जीवन सुख, समृद्धि व स्वास्थ्य से परिपूर्ण बना रहे तथा यह रथ यात्रा सम्पूर्ण सृष्टि के लिए खुशहाली का कारक बनें।
जय जगन्नाथ! pic.twitter.com/pyM6bXpKm1
“Heartiest greetings and best wishes to all on the occasion of Rath Yatra. I pray for peace and prosperity for all,” tweeted the BJP VP.
"ଜଗନ୍ନାଥ ସ୍ଵାମୀ ନୟନ ପଥ ଗାମୀ ଭବତୁ ମେ"
— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) July 1, 2022
ସମସ୍ତଙ୍କୁ ପବିତ୍ର ରଥଯାତ୍ରା ଉପଲକ୍ଷେ ହାର୍ଦ୍ଦିକ ଶୁଭେଚ୍ଛା ଓ ଶୁଭକାମନା। ସମସ୍ତଙ୍କ ସୁଖ, ଶାନ୍ତି ଓ ସମୃଦ୍ଧି ପାଇଁ ଚତୁର୍ଦ୍ଧାମୂର୍ତ୍ତିଙ୍କ ନିକଟରେ ମୋର ପ୍ରାର୍ଥନା ।
ଜୟ ଜଗନ୍ନାଥ 🙏🙏#RathaJatra#ରଥଯାତ୍ରା pic.twitter.com/hH0P99WD89
Recently, Lord Baladevjew’s chariot (72-ft) in Keonjhar district was adjudged as the tallest Rath Yatra chariot by the Guinness Book of World Records. This has subsequently sparked a row in the State with some outfits terming it as a violation of the tradition.
On the other hand, Gajapati Maharaja said, “So far I have not received any official communication but as far as my knowledge is concerned, Purushottam Keshtra has been accorded the highest importance. As per the tradition, no chariot should be constructed above the height of the chariot of Puri Jagannath temple.”
In the past also, all the Kings and the temples under their control ensure that their respective chariots were not above the height of the Puri chariot. Only after the conduct of the rituals in Puri, they were being followed by others in the State, Gajapati Maharaj said adding, “Puri is the ‘moola peetha’ and others should follow the traditions accordingly and any deviation is not acceptable.”
Reacting to the chariot height controversy, senior servitor Krushna Chandra Khuntia said, “We are hurt as Lord Jagannath’s peeth assumes much significance. Any individual or institution should refrain from any deviation. And, all the servitors are against any violation in the tradition.”
Binayak Das Mohapatra, another senior servitor said, “Others should follow the traditions and customs of the moola peetha. We do not have any link with the Guinness Book of World Records. As Rath Yatra is approaching, we urge the administration to conduct a detailed inquiry into the chariot height controversy.”
According to sources, boatmen of 35 Mouza Krushnaprasad stopped ferrying boats following a dispute with Alupatna village. Earlier, villagers of Alupatna assaulted president of 35 Mouza following which residents of 35 Mouza stopped ferrying of boats and passengers in Chilika.
On the other hand, Alupatna villagers have threatened to assault Krushnaprasad 35 Mouza villagers if the latter are found crossing the Chilika lake.
Though police arrested the person who assaulted president of 35 Mouza and administration held discussion with the both the parties to resolve the issue, it went in vain.
Residents of 35 Mouza demanded apology from Alupatna villagers to call off the strike. Repeated discussions with both the parties failed to evoke any results for two consecutive days disrupting communication at Chilika for third day.
However, 35 Mouza Management Committee on Tuesday decided to call off strike keeping annual Rath Yatra in mind. After having discussion with Krushnaprasad Block Development Officer, Tehsildar and Inspector-in-charge, 35 Mouza Management Committee, it decided to withdraw protest.
It is learnt that post Rath Yatra, the district administration will again hold discussion with both the parties. Meanwhile, ferrying of boats will be made operational from tomorrow.
Manoj Sahu, a resident of Krushnaprasad said, “Many people from South Odisha depend on this route to take part in Rath Yatra. After having discussion with the administration, we withdrew strike for the time being.”
As per the centuries-old tradition, as many as 865 trunks of Phasi, Asan and Dhaura trees are required for chariot construction every year. And it has long been the tradition that the chariots are dismantled after the festival. In the event of the timber shortage problem should arise, the age old tradition may get tweaked and dismantling of chariots would be stopped.
According to Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee member Madhab Chandra Mahapatra, the members had raised the issue of shortage of timbers and sandalwood in the recently concluded meeting.
“In response to our concern, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb said that he would go and create awareness among people in Khordha and Nayagarh to plant a tree for meeting future demand of timbers for chariot construction. He laid emphasis that each of us should plant a tree,” said Mahapatra.
“In the Code of Conduct for chariots, it has clearly been laid out that all the required timbers will be procured from Nayagarh division. But as of now we have been procuring them even from other areas like Ganjam which turns out to be expensive also,” informed Mahapatra.
When asked about the present condition of Jagannath Bana Prakalpa, Mahapatra said this specific forest, inaugurated by the Gajapati himself, doesn’t have the required Phasi, Dhaura and Asan trees, which speaks volume of the forest department’s failure.
Mahapatra also expressed concern about the availability of required amount of sandalwood for the rituals observed at the temple round the year.
“Every year, around four quintals of sandalwood is required for the festivals and rituals at the temple. Prior to 2011, the required sandalwoods were procured from Karnataka. After Veerappan issue, we started procuring them from Tamil Nadu. Since all the temples and religious institutions across India depend on Tamil Nadu for sandalwood, we are having problem in getting the total requirement from them. Meanwhile, the State government has decided to provide 1.5 quintals of sandalwood to Srimandir free of cost,” informed Mahapatra.
“This shortage has forced us to look for other options. It has been decided that we would go for searching of best quality of sandalwood in our State and procure them,” added Mahapatra.
Speaking to media after chairing the preparatory meeting of the world-famous car festival, Verma said, "We held discussions for smooth conduct of Rath Yatra this year. In view of Covid-19 situation, we have readied two plans- Rath Yatra celebration with devotees and Rath Yatra celebration without devotees."
"In the first plan, if Covid-19 situation improves and devotees are allowed in the Rath Yatra, arrangements will be made accordingly. On the other hand, if the Covid-19 situation becomes grave and Rath Yatra is conducted without devotees, we will adopt the second plan and make arrangements accordingly," Verma added.
Verma said large congregations of devotees, about 1.5 or 2 times more than the previous years, are expected during the Rath Yatra in Puri this year.
"If the Covid-19 situation remains normal, a large number of devotees will throng Puri to witness Rath Yatra. In that case, we have directed all departments to make arrangements keeping in view the circumstances," the Collector said.
"A week earlier, we had asked all concerned departments to prepare action plans. At today's meeting, the department demonstrated the plans. All the stakeholders shared their feedback on the action plans. The departments will now revise the action plans and will meet again after a few days and the plans will be finalized," he added.
The slicing of the wood logs collected from various forests has begun at the Cuttack Khapuria government saw mill today on the occasion of the Ram Navami.
A team led by superintendent of the Rath works, Sudarshan Mekap reached the saw mill with the ritualistic divine consent (Agyan Mala or holy garland) from the Puri Srimandir for the consecration of the ceremony.
In the first phase, three logs of Dhaura wood have been sliced at the saw mill.
As per the long-followed tradition, the timber logs will be sliced till all the specified numbers of pieces are prepared for commencement of the construction works of the chariots from the day of Akshay Tritiya.
The construction of the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra takes place near the royal palace of the Jagannath Temple in Puri with the tireless efforts of hundreds of carpenters, blacksmiths, tailors, and painters.
According to the usual practice, 865 logs of Dhaura, Phasi, Asana are generally used in the construction of the three magnificent wooden chariots.
The Rath Yatra of the Holy Trinity is scheduled to be held this year on July 1.
The deities were ushered into the Srimandir in ‘Goti Pahandi’ during the Niladri Bije ritual.
As per the rituals, Lord Rama, Krishna and Madan Mohan were taken inside the temple’s north chamber. Subsequently, Lord Sudarshan, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra were taken inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Srimandir in Pahandi.
Mahaprabhu Jagannath was escorted to the ‘Bheta Mandap’ in Pahandi where He met Goddess Laxmi and offered her Rasagolas. Later, Lord Jagannath and Goddess Laxmi’s meeting ritual was carried out on the Charamala following which the Bachanika ritual was conducted at the Jay Vijay Dwar.
Following this ritual, Lord Jagannath was taken to the Ratna Sinhansan where He joined his siblings.
The Puri SP on Thursday asked the actress a detailed report on the incident that took place on July 14 during her visit to Srimandir and assured action against the accused.
Mahika, in one of her recent Instagram posts narrated that she was eve teased and manhandled by a group of youths while on her way to the temple for the morning Arati. But the actress did not lodge a police complaint and returned to her hotel room without a darshan of the deities.
"A group of people made my fun and one pushed me n was to slap...still I kept quite..no complaints..and I don't want to. I believe Lord Jagannath will do justice," wrote Mahika in her Instagram post.
The actress popular for her role in the Hindi tele series FIR and Ramayana wrote, " I kept quiet. No complaints. And I don't want to. I believe Lord Jagannath will do justice. They are his kid. I'm also his daughter. And I forgive. Because we are one. God bless them. I'm sorry after coming to you. I couldn't see you, lord. Bless me.”
Mahika is a Mumbai based actress and model popular for her bold and controversial statements
The matter came to light after a photograph of the vehicle pass went viral on social media.
Though the pass bearing serial number 543 was meant for sevayats, a photograph of the pass revealed name of one Sekh Abid mentioned in place of the actual owner.
This has now created flutter as sources believe that such misuse of dedicated passes might spell trouble if they land in wrong hands. However, Puri Superintendent of Police, Sarthak Sarangi stated that the serial number mentioned in the two wheeler pass suggest that it was issued by the district administration.
“We maintain a register for all the passes that we give out. The concerned pass was not issued by us. Only Collectorate staff can comment on the issue,” said Sarangi.
Whether someone handed over the concerned pass to another person or it was of a case of some lapse, the matter will be thoroughly investigated, Sarangi added.
While Goddess Subhadra in her chariot could only reach up to the Town Police station, Lord Jagannath in his chariot will start his journey to his aunt's abode tomorrow.
As per tradition, the pulling of chariots in Baripada is held a day after the Puri Rath Yatra.
What makes the Rath Yatra in Baripada special is the fact that the chariot of Devi Subhadra is pulled by the women devotees.
Like Puri Srimandir, all the important rituals including 'Pahandi bije' of the deities of the Jagannath Temple to their respective chariots and 'Cherra Panhara' were performed on the first day of Rath Yatra on Saturday.
The chariots of Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra will be pulled by devotees today while the chariot of Lord Jagannath, Nandighosa will be pulled on Monday.
"I am feeling blessed to get the opportunity to come here to pull Maa Subhadra's chariot. We wait for this opportunity throughout the year," said a woman devotee.
Adequate security measures have been made by the district administration for the smooth conduct of the annual festival here.
"20 platoon of police force including 10 to 12 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), 25 Inspectors have been deployed in Baripada town for the Rath Yatra celebrations. Special measures have also been undertaken for traffic on the routes the chariots will pass," said Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of Town Police Station, Ashok Kumar Nayak.
CCTV cameras have been installed in strategic locations in the town to keep strict vigil on the movement of the crowd.
Apart from Baripada, the Rath Yatra celebrations also assume religious significance in Kendrapara, which is also known as 'Tulasi Khetra'.
A sea of humanity thronged Kendrapara town to pull the Brahma Taladhwaja of Lord Baladevjew today.
Unlike Puri, the Rath Yatra in Kendrapara is celebrated for two days and dieties are taken on a single chariot for their annual sojourn. The 65-feet tall chariot is made up of 1,223 pieces of wood and has 14 wheels.
After the ceremonial pahandi, the deities were taken to the chariot which was pulled by devotees yesterday. As per the tradition, the pulling of the chariot will resume today and will reach the Gundicha temple by evening, sources said.
Amidst the beating of bells, cymbals and conches, devotees pulled the chariot in turn soon after the completion of the Chhera Panhara ritual by Puri Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb.
The chariot of Lord Balabhadra, Taladhwaja was pulled at 2:30 pm amidst tight security arrangements.
After Taladhwaja, Darpadalana, the chariot of Goddess Subhadra was also pulled on the Badadanda by devotees.
As per tradition, the chariot of Lord of the Universe, Nandighosa was pulled last amid chanting of Jai Jagannath.
"It was really a great experinece to be a part of the grand Rath Yatra celebrations at Puri. It was for the first time that I took part in the celebrations here. I consider myself to be lucky for having touched the rope of Nandighosa," said Ashok Sahoo, a resident of Nayagarh.
Amid loud chants of Hari Bola, devotees waited outside the 12th century shrine to have a glimpse of the Trinity--Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra since early morning.
The Pahandi began with the idol of Lord Sudarshan being escorted to Goddess Subhadra’s chariot. Lord Balabhadra was taken out of the sanctum in a grand procession to his chariot-the Taladhwaja.The entire Badadanda was soaked in devotion as Lord of the Universe, Lord Jagannath arrived through Singhadwara in the ceremonial pahandi soon after Devi Subhadra was escorted by servitors as per the tradition.
Senior officials of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) informed that the rituals began with the Mangala Alati and were followed by Mailama, Tadapalagi and Rosa Homa. Later, Abakash rituals, Surya Puja and Dwarapala puja were conducted as per the tradition.
In some time, the sibling deities will aboard their three grand chariots – the sight which devotees look forward to- on the occasion of annual Rath Yatra every year here on Grand Road (Badadanda)
Elaborate arrangements have been made by the temple administration to conduct the rituals on time.
Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) administrator Niti (rituals) on Monday informed that at present 12 out of 14 ropes required during the entire festival are ready.
Due to the ongoing strike by the employees of Odisha Coir Board there has been a delay in preparation of two ropes. The employees are on a strike demanding more perks and pay.
However, there should not be any concern as the administration is having 20 additional ropes in stock which can be used in case of emergency, informed SJTA Administrator Niti (Rituals) after the third Rath Yatra Coordination meeting held today.
A delegation led by Revenue Minister Maheswar Mohanty will also hold discussions with the striking employees of Odisha Coir Board tomorrow.
"We will discuss with the employees and are hopeful that the issue will be resolved," said Mohanty.
Meanwhile, concerns were also expressed over poor sanitation and lack of drain desilting works by local civic body ahead of monsoon season during the Rath Yatra coordination meeting.
Urban Development Minister Niranjan Pujari assured taking urgent measures and monitoring the progress personally.
"A senior official will be sent to Puri to supervise sanitation and other necessary arrangements soon," said Niranjan Pujari.
DGP RP Sharma today reviewed the preparations and security arrangements that need to be finalized for the entire Rath Yatra festival starting from Snana Yatra till Niladri Bije.
Official sources said Odisha police is keen on coming up with an elaborate masterplan for security, traffic and other contingencies well in advance.
“Today, we have only reviewed the problems of police personnel and things that need to be addressed before the Rath Yatra. A detailed security arrangement will be made by Odisha Police after review of the force requirement, deployments made last year and other aspects,” said Sharma.
ADG Arun Ray, Central Range IG Soumendra Priyadarshi, IGs Sanjiv Panda & Amitabh Thakur, Puri SP Sarthak Sarangi and other senior officials were present during the review meeting today.
Earlier on Sunday, the dates for rituals like Snana Yatra, Niladri Bije and others were finalised at a meeting held between Chhatisha Nijog (apex temple servitor body) and members of Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
The three 12-ft sacred logs of ‘Dhaura Katha’ were brought to the ‘Ratha Khala’ near the Jagannath temple.
The process commenced with the axe being given the divine touch after getting the ‘Aagyan Mala’ (permission garland) from the deities followed by special rituals conducted by the temple priests.
The first logs which are being used in construction of the chariots for the famous Rath Yatra were sliced on the occasion of Ram Navami at the Government Saw Mill at Khapuria in Cuttack.
As per sources, these logs will be used for the construction of the seven axles and 14 wheels of the chariot of Lord Balabhadra, eight axles and 16 wheels of Lord Jagannath’s chariot and six axles and 12 wheels along with platform and base of the chariot of Goddess Subhadra.
Another major event of Lord Jagannath- Chandan Jatra also kicked off on Wednesday and will continue for 21 days.
Considered auspicious, Ram Navami, marks the beginning of the process of slicing the timber which will be subsequently used to construct gigantic three chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and devi Subhadra for Puri Rath Yatra.
As per tradition, the slicing of the wooden logs commenced after receiving ‘Agyanmala’ from the Puri Srimandir. Officials of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and forest department along with Puri temple servitors and Maharana sevayats were present on the occasion.
"The slicing of the logs meant for construction of the chariots starts on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami. Only after ‘Agyanmala’ was brought, the work for timber slicing was undertaken, " said Chief Administrator (Rituals) of Puri Srimandir, Pradeep Kumar Das.
The tradition of cutting of the timber at the Government Saw Mill at Khapuria has been continuing for the last 13 years under the supervision of carpenters of the Puri Jagannath Temple.
These logs will be used for the construction of the seven axles and 14 wheels of the chariot of Lord Balabhadra, eight axle and 16 wheels of Lord Jagannath and 6 axles, 12 wheels along with platform and base of the chariot of Goddess Subhadra.
The construction of the chariots will begin from Akshaya Tritiya on April 18, 2018.
Twenty six logs of 'Asana' tree and four logs of 'Dhurua' tree arrived in a truck and have been stored near the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) office. Each log is 12 ft in length and three ft in diameter.
Earlier the logs for construction of chariots were collected from Dasapalla of Nayagarh. However, due to shortage, they are being sourced from Boudh for the first time.
The construction of the chariots for the world famous Rath Yatra will start from April 18, on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.
It is worthwhile to mention that around 1,000 trees of three different species of trees - Phasi, Asana and Dhurua - are felled every year for construction of the three chariots - Taladhwaja, Darpadalana and Nandighosa.
Besides the issue of misbehaving with Puri sub-collector during Sunabesha or driving three magistrate rank officers out of the cordon during Adharpana ritual, the men in khaki have also been accused of allegedly molesting women devotees near Gundicha temple during the Sandhya Darshan.
A senior police official has been accused of touching the deity during the pahandi ceremony during Niladri Bije yesterday. The officer has been identified as Amulya Dhar, former Inspector-in-charge of Marine Police Station.
Though the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has ordered a probe into the alleged issue related to touching of Devi Subhadra’s idol, the servitors have demanded stern action against the police officials for such indiscipline and violation.
Also Read: Niladri Bije: Cop touches Subhadra’s idol, probe ordered
“Law should be equal for everybody and action taken against those found guilty,” said Binay DasMohapatra, Daitapati Sevayat.
Rabi Narayan Samantra, another servitor said, “The CCTV footage should be scrutinised to check whether the concerned police official has touched the deity or not and subsequently action taken against the violators.”
Puri Collector Arvind Agarwal, on the other hand, claimed that after so many years the Rath Yatra festival was conducted smoothly with all rituals completed on time.
However, the issue of touching of deities is being investigated and appropriate action would be taken on the issue, Agarwal added.
“We are investigating the matter and action would be taken after getting the inquiry report,” said Director General of Police KB Singh.
Meanwhile, Singhadwar police has detained two devotees for allegedly touching idol of Lord Jagannath during pahandi on the occasion of Niladri Bije yesterday.
The rituals of the festival ran late by over an hour. After pahandi of the deities, Shankaracharya paid a visit to the Trinity on the chariots. Gajapati Dibyasingh Deba performed the Chhera Panhara rituals.
Devotees from far and wide have gathered outside the Jagannath temple to participate in chariot pulling. While many devotees are busy chanting the deities names in kirtans in groups, many have dressed up as dancers or even as mythological characters of Hanuman and Lord Shiva.
Foreign tourists also visited the pilgrim town in large numbers including many devotees of Lord Jagannath.
The fervor was seen even alongside the road were devotees watched the proceedings from vantage points like hotels, private buildings and old Dharmashalas and mutts situated on the Grand Road in large numbers.
As the chariots of the three deities reach half way, they stop their journey to continue it on the next day. Taladhwaja stops near Balagandi, Debadalana near Bagala Dharmashala and Nandighosha near Town Police Station. The journey will resume at 9 am on Monday, while the preparations will start from 8 am.
Meanwhile, police cordon has been set up around the chariots. Devotees can only have darshan of the deities from outside the cordon.
The deities will now return to the Jagannath temple only on the ninth day of the festival during the Bahuda Yatra.
Also Read: PMO India Tweeted: Jagannath is the Lord of the poor
The Puri Gajapati came seated atop his royal palanquin from the Raja Nahara or royal palace to perform his duty as the first servitor of Lord Jagannath. He was welcomed by servitors and escorted to the chariots one after another starting with Taladhwaja of Lord Balabhadra followed by Debadalana of Devi Subhadra and Nandighosha of Lord Jagannath. On each of the chariots, the servitors sprinkled fragrant water and flowers that the Gajapati swept with a golden broom.
Also Read: Chariots Roll on Grand Road in Puri
The Pahandi of Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath also followed. Lord Balabhadra has been seated atop Taladhwaja. Earlier, in the morning today, the rituals began with the Mangala Alati and were followed by Mailama, Tadapalagi and Rosa Homa. Later, Abakash rituals, Surya Puja and Dwarapala puja were conducted. The deities’ decoration or Besha began at 7.30am after which the Trinity were offered Khechudi dish.
Also Read: Gajapati Performs Chhera Panhara
Despite rains, lakhs of devotees have turned up at pilgrim town to take part in the annual 9-day fete that marks the sojourn of the deities to Gundicha temple.
Elaborate arrangements have been made by the temple administration to conduct the rituals on time and ensure hassle free darshan for all as the deities come out of the temple and get on to their respective chariots---Nandighosa (Jagannath), Taladhwaja (Balabhadra) and Devadalana (Subhadra).
Mangala Alati 6 am
Mailama at 6.10
Tadapalagi and Rosa Homa 6.30.
Abakash ritual, Surya Puja and Dwarapala puja 7.30
Besha 7.30
Gopala Ballahav,Khechudi Bhoga-8am to 9am
Mangalarpana 9.15 am
Entry of Madan Mohan 12.30 to 1 pm
Chitalagi 1 pm to 1.30 pm
Chhera Pahanra 1.30 to 2.30 pm
Puri Rath Yatra 2017 Album:
Pradip Jena, who is supervising Rath Yatra proceedings first time as Chief Temple Administrator said it is strictly prohibited for devotees to touch the deities or even climb the chariots
"Snana Yatra rituals had discrepancies but we will ensure that no such issues come up during Rath Yatra. During the Pahandi of deities no devotees will be allowed to touch idols. The decision of 2014 of SJTA and High Court will be followed. Climbing the chariots falsely dressed as servitors will be treated as a criminal offence," said Jena today.
Also Read: Odisha Swift Action Force Launched, To Function From Rath Yatra 2017
Receiving this news of recovery of the deities, the Gajapati conducted the ‘saribandha’ rituals for servitors in which special pieces of cloth are tied around the heads of servitors to show them respect for their dedication to the deities. During the meeting, the ‘datitapatis’ and chief servitors discussed the health of the lords and their treatment, with the Gajapati.
On the occasion of 'saribandha' the new set of servitors of the younger generation are formally inducted into the respective services of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra with the formal rituals of the Gajapati tying the sacred cloth on their head.
“Ever since we begun the treatment of deities in Anasara, we have avoided any worship rituals that include loud sounds of music or prayers. Even the food offered to Lord Jagannath and His siblings during this hiberanation period. Herbal food items like the dasamula prepared by the vaidya using barks and roots of medicinal plants were offered. Similarly, the medicinal phuluri oil was massaged on to the deities,” said Jagannath Swain Mohapatra, the chief servitor of lord Jagannath. “Abada, the special rice cooked in the temple, has not been served since the last week,” he added.
With the continuous care and treatment of the servitors, the deities are slowly recovering. Today after the fever receded, the deities were applied sandalwood paste.
Organised by Odia Samaj in New Delhi, the event will continue for three days and offer glimpses into the history and tradition Odisha from Khandagiri Caves to Puri Rath Yatra.
While Pipli Applique is attracting the visitors at the Parba, sand art by internationally renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik is expected to be a crowd puller.
The food court at the fest will be offering a mouth-watering menu of Odia delicacies including Raghu Dahibara, Dilbahar Lassi & Atmaram Sweets from Cuttack, Kendrapada Rasabali, Odia Thali by Odisha Hotel.
Dance and music shows on Odisha’s various traditional folk, Odissi, fusion, contemporary forms will be performed by eminent artists in the evening during the three-day event.
As per the timings which were finalised in a meeting chaired by SJTA chief administrator Krishan Kumar, Pahandi rituals will be conducted between 12 PM and 2:30 PM and Chhera Panhara from 2:30 till 3:30 PM. The pulling of three chariots from the Saradhabali towards Srimandir will begin 4 PM onwards.
Here is the complete ritual timings released by SJTA
Mangal Alati- 4 am
Mailam Lagi- 4.15 am
Tadapa Lagi- 4.30 am
Rosa Homa- 4.30 am
Abakasha Niti- 5 am
Surjya Puja- 5.15 am
Dwarapala Puja- 5.30 am
Besha Sesha- 5.30 am
Gopala Ballava and Sakala Dhupa- 5.45 am-6.45 am
Senapata Lagi- 7 am-11.30 am
Mangalarpana- 11.45 am
Bahuda Pahandi- 12 pm-2.30 pm
Besha Sesha- 1 pm-2.30 pm
Chherapanhara- 2.30 pm -3.30 pm
Charamala Phita and Ghoda Lagi- 3 pm-4 pm
Pulling of chariots- 4 pm
The remaining rituals will be performed by servitors after the pulling of chariots concluded.
The Srimandir administration has also released the timing of rituals for Suna Besha.
As per the schedule, Mangal Alati of three chariots will be held between 6 am and 6.30 am, while Mailam Lagi and Tadapa Lagi will be held at 7 am. The Abakasha Niti will be performed at 8 am and Besha Sesha at 9 am.
Meanwhile, the district administration has imposed restrictions in the pilgrim town for the smooth conduct of Bahuda Jatra keeping in view the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic situation.
Prohibitory orders under Section 144 (CrPC) will be clamped in Puri from Monday 8 pm till 8 pm on July 21 to restrict movement of devotees on the Grand Road during Bahuda Jatra.
Similarly, all hotels, lodgings, dharamshalas and guest houses along the Bada Danda have been closed. No vehicular movement will be allowed in the entire Grand Road other than the authorised vehicles carrying essential services/medical services during the period.
No person shall be allowed to witness the festival from rooftops or balconies of buildings, hotels, dharamshalas, lodges and guest houses located along the Grand Road.
A team of officials on Friday sealed Srikhetra Lodge located at Balagandi Chhak for allegedly allowing devotees to witness Gundicha Jatra from rooftop in violation of the curfew restrictions.
“The district Collector had issued directive and we also made public announcement regarding restrictions on rooftop witnessing of Rath Jatra along Badadanda. However, we found that the lodge authorities have violated the order. About 7-8 people witnessed the Gundicha Jatra from the rooftop of the lodge. We got evidence of violation following which we sealed the lodging facility toady,” said Puri tehsildar Rabi Pradhan.
“Yesterday, we sealed a building of Akshaya Patra Foundation at Badadanda. Besides, Sagar Inn lodge was sealed. A day before, Ganga lodge had also been sealed for similar offences,” Pradhan added.
He said the drive is underway against the violators and stringent action will be taken against those who have not followed the curfew directive during the Rath Jatra.
Similarly, notices have been issued to 14 persons for violating SOP during Gundicha Jatra on July 12.
According to sources, Akshaya Patra Foundation had allegedly allowed some ISKCON devotees to witness Rath Jatra on the rooftop of the building which was banned by the administration.
"The foundation had accommodated devotees from outside Odisha in violation of prohibitory order passed by the administration during Gundicha Yatra. A team verified the video footage of the incident and found the allegations true. We are also verifying other allegations and take action accordingly,” Puri sub-collector Bhabataran Sahu had stated.
This will be the first Rath Yatra after the Nabakalebar (transfer of soul substance from the old idols to the new ones) of Lord Jagannath and his siblings at Shree Jagannath temple. The car festival, transporting the deities, would take place on July 18.
"Instructions have been given to these doctors and para-medical staff to join their duty in Puri from July 1 and stay till August. The health department would initiate departmental proceedings if they fail to join their duty in time," Health and Family Welfare Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak told the media here.
"The state government has also taken a tough stand against sanctioning leave of absence to doctors during the period. No doctor will be allowed leave. In case of an emergency, concerned leave applicant doctor has to seek approval of the health secretary," the minister added.
He said steps have been taken to rectify the shortage of doctors in the rural and urban hospitals in the state as many doctors would be deployed in the holy town.
With the controversy over the mismanagement during the Nabakalebara festival refusing to die down, the state government on Monday entrusted additional charge to the IG, (Operations), Soumendra Kumar Priyadarshi, as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for the festival.
Priyadarshi had been in-charge of Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra twice earlier. The state government expects about 50 lakh devotees during the Nabakalebar festival.
Attending the final coordination meeting through video conferencing, Patnaik reviewed arrangements for the grand festival beginning on July 12. He reviewed the security measures and other institutional arrangements with DGP, Puri Collector, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chief Minister said that like last year, the world-famous Rath Yatra of the Lord Jagannath is going to be organised this year in the midst of an extraordinary situation. He sought the cooperation of the residents of Puri and servitors to ensure that devotees stay at home and watch the Lord's procession.
Talking to mediapersons after the meeting, Law Minister Pratap Jena said, “Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik stressed on the smooth conduct of the upcoming Rath Yatra with the coordination of servitors and administrative officials who contributed to successful conduct of Rath Yatra last year.”
“The CM focused on timely completion of rituals related to Rath Yatra. Though the second wave of Covid has started to recede, the danger is yet to be over completely. Therefore, the CM also stressed on strict compliance of Covid-19 protocols," said School and Mass Education Minister Samir Dash who attended the meeting.
It is noted here that the Odisha government has banned Rath Yatra festival at all places in the State except Puri in the wake of the second wave of the Covid-19.
"I also feel bad but we can't do anything about it. Hope god will allow next Rath Yatra," the 48th Chief Justice of India Justice NV Ramana ruled while scrapping several pleas requesting the apex court's intervention in the matter.
A bench headed by Justice NV Ramana said it cannot predict Covid-19 situation in the State. Besides, the Government is competent authority to decide
on this matter.
The Odisha government has already banned the celebration of the car festival of Lord Jagannath in all other parts of the State except Puri where the Rath Yatra will be held under strict laid out Covid protocols like last year. The State authorities have however allowed the conduct of the rituals inside the temples
with adherence to pandemic guidelines.
The High Court of Orissa has also rejected pleas from petitioners seeking public observance of the festival in Nilagiri, Kendrapara & Bhatli.
Advocate General Ashok Parija appearing for Odisha government said, "Chariots are pulled by 500 people who have RT PCR test. How will the State ensure all these conditions?. Puri is 'different'. Conditions imposed for the Rath Yatra at Puri cannot be implemented across the State," Live Law quoted Parija.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta interjected in the matter and stated before the bench that there was a complete prohibition of Rath Yatra last year. Now Odisha govt has allowed Yatra only in Puri. But there are other places where the Yatra is going on for centuries.
He prayed before the bench that it may consider granting permission for 'token Yatra' where only a few persons are allowed to perform rituals. This way both religious sentiments and the health of people will be protected, he said.
Temple office chief administrator Krishan Kumar shed the light on the protocols soon after holding a crucial meeting with the Chhattisa Nijog (sects of servitor bodies), police and district administration regarding smooth conduct of the annual car festival.
The temple office has specified the following rules for strict compliance under Covid guidelines as well as the norms specified by the Supreme Court of India
A Special Leave Petition has been filed by one Madan Patri seeking the apex court’s directives in ordering the Odisha government to allow celebration of the Rath Yatra festivities in the town amid strict adherence to Covid guidelines.
In the plea, Patri has prayed before the Supreme Court that the car festival of Siddha Baladevjew can be organised sans devotees to prevent any outbreak of the virus cases.
The Rath Yatra may be allowed with the participation of only sevayats following all Covid guidelines, testing and vaccination in the lines of the annual festival at Puri Shree Jagannath Temple, the petitioner has reportedly said in his appeal.
Last week, the Orissa High had rejected five petitions filed before it seeking permission to hold the Rath Yatra at two places including Baladevjew in Kendrapara, popularly known as Tulasi Khetra and Bhatli in Bargarh.
The Odisha government had earlier this month ruled that the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath will be held on July 12 only in Puri keeping in mind the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court. The state authorities have banned the rituals at all other places of the state except the pilgrim town Puri.
After a serious speculation last year during the first wave of the pandemic, the Supreme Court of India had permitted the Rath Yatra in Puri to be held on the condition that there is no public attendance and all entry points into the town remain closed. It also said each of the three chariots, would be pulled by limited number of selected participants as per the guidelines formulated in view of the pandemic.
In a tweet, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) on Saturday informed that 26 special trains will up to and originate from Khurda Road instead of Puri.
“To break the chain of Covid19 , it has been decided to restrict trains to Puri during Rath Yatra in month of July,” tweeted ECoR.
.@RailMinIndia To break the chain of Covid19 , it has bn decided to restrict Trains to Puri during Rath Yatra in month of July. 26 long dist Spls will run up to & originate from Khurda Road instead of Puri @DRMKhurdaRoad @DRMWaltairECoR @DRMSambalpur#rathyatraECoR#updateECoR pic.twitter.com/JBkdK4hvyV
— East Coast Railway (@EastCoastRail) June 19, 2021
"The stretch between Khordha Road and Puri will remain cancelled from both directions. This is to break the chain of Covid-19 infection and in coordination with Odisha government to restrict train services towards Puri during RathYatra in the month of July," the ECoR said.
The ECoR has also decided to partially cancel daily Puri-Angul-Puri Spl train (08427/08428). From June 21 to 25 and June 28 to 30, the train will run between Puri and Talcher and remain cancelled between Talcher and Angul from both directions.
.@RailMinIndia Train A L E R T !!!
— East Coast Railway (@EastCoastRail) June 19, 2021
To break the chain of COVID 19 infection, it has been decided to cancel below mentioned Special Trains from 21st to 30th June, 2021 as per the following_#Unite2FightCorona@DRMKhurdaRoad @DRMSambalpur @DRMWaltairECoR pic.twitter.com/znMS2oL305
Moreover, the ECoR has decided to cancel some other special trains connecting Puri to contain the spread of the virus.
.@RailMinIndia Train A L E R T !!!
— East Coast Railway (@EastCoastRail) June 19, 2021
To break the chain of COVID 19 infection, it has been decided to cancel below mentioned Special Trains from 21st to 30th June, 2021 as per the following_#Unite2FightCorona@DRMKhurdaRoad @DRMSambalpur @DRMWaltairECoR pic.twitter.com/ayEyy9MKaM
This year, the annual RathYatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings will be held in Puri only in the absence of devotees as the Odisha government has banned the festival scheduled to begin on July 12 elsewhere in the State in view of COVID19 pandemic.
All the servitors, who will be engaged in various rituals of the sibling deities at Puri Jagannath temple, will undergo multiple rounds of Covid test (RT PCR) 48 hours prior to participating in the grand festival.
Similarly, Covid test of police personnel and temple officials involved in arrangements will also be conducted. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting held on Friday.
SJTA chief Adminsitrator Krishan Kumar, Puri Collector Samarth Verma and other senior officials attended the meeting which was convened to discuss the various issues surrounding Covid-19 management during Rath Yatra.
Here are key decisions:
- RT PCR testing to be carried out for all the Sevaks involved in the rituals before 48 hrs. Similarly, Police personnel and Temple officials involved in arrangements will also to be tested.
-The testing will be done at four stages --before Snana Yatra, before Gundicha Yatra, before Bahuda Yatra and lastly, 15 days after Niladri Bije.
- Focus to remain on vaccination of all Sevaks and officials involved.
- A nodal officer will be appointed by the SJTA, Puri Dist Administrtion and CDMO office for close coordination on day-to-day basis.
- A detailed micro-plan to be made for setting up of special medical posts during Ratha Yatra. This will include deployment of additional medical staff in consultation, if required. Focus will be on Sevaks who will primarily pull the chariots in view of the COVID-19 restrictions.
- Adequate number of masks to be distributed among the Sevaks during Snana Yatra and Ratha Yatra.
- To promote hand hygiene like last year, sanitizer to be distributed amongst Sevak families.
- Meetings will be held with members of Nijogs to sensitize them on Do’s & Don’ts to be followed during the conduct on the rituals as per the orders of the State Government.
- Handouts will be distributed among all the Sevaks and officials on the Do’s & don’ts to be followed with regards to COVID-19.
As per the plan, lights will be installed from the spire of the temple where the Neelachakra, the blue wheel is fixed, to the base of the shrine. This apart, the administration has also decided to brighten up each of the four doors of the temple with the help of lights.
Apart from being one of the biggest spiritual centres in the country, Srimandir is also a major tourist attraction. Lakhs of tourists from all across the globe throng the pilgrim town of Puri every year to witness its myriad colours of devotion and tourism.
Meanwhile, the construction of chariots of the deities for the upcoming Rath Yatra is in full swing. Even as the much-awaited annual car festival is set to commence from July 12, the carpenters have already started the installation of the Chari Nahaka, a whopping nine days ahead of the schedule.
As per the tradition, 'Chari Nahaka', the four pillar-frame which rises from the base of the chariot and supports its entire dome, is generally installed by the Bhoi and Maharana sevayats in each of the three chariot on Snana Purnima. This year, the Maharanas had begun the Chaka-Akha Dera, the fixation of the wheels and axle of the chariot two days in advance.
In view of the pandemic situation, the Odisha government has barred the celebration of the Rath Yatra outside the temple premises at all places in the State except Puri.
The major festival will be held in Puri just like last year in the absence of devotees on Bada Danda and with full Covid protocols in place as specified by the Supreme Court of India before the Rath Yatra in 2020.
“Ratha Yatra/car festival shall be conducted this year in Badadanda of Lord Jagannath Bije Puri and nowhere else in the State in the same manner as was done last year,” said the Special Relief Commissioner in an order.
“However, rituals relating to Rath Yatra may be performed in temples within its premises. No chariots shall be pulled in places/temples in the State of Odisha except Car festival/ Rath Yatra of Lord Shree Jagannath Bije Puri,” the SRC order added.
Besides Lord Jagannath Temple at Puri, in rest of the places, only rituals may be performed inside the temple premises.
The Ratha Yatra of Lord Shree Jagannath Bije Puri shall be conducted observing the following guidelines:
Penal provisions
Any person violating these measures will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provisions of Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and COVID-19 Regulations 2020, besides legal action under Sec. 188 of the IPC, and other legal provisions as applicable.
In case of any other doubt, the State Government in Revenue &Disaster Management (Disaster Management) Department will issue necessary directions or clarifications.
Odisha SRC and Development Commissioner Pradeep Jena made the major announcement today saying that the nine-day long sojourn of the Holy Trinity which begins from July 12 this year will be held in Puri with strict adherence to guidelines laid out by the Supreme Court and the Odisha government in 2020 when the festival was held sans devotees for the first time in its centuries-long history.
Odisha government has always given supreme importance to the safety and well-being of the public. With the second wave of Covid pandemic continuing its slow descent and threat of a possible third surge looming, public gathering during the grand festival which attracts lakhs of devotees from all around the world needs to be curbed. This apart, since it is a mass festival celebrated with much fanfare across Odisha and outside, restrictions on public participation in the celebration are necessary, the SRC said during a press briefing.
Here are the major points to note:-
As per a statement by the temple administrator, 3 Maharana servitors (two in-charge of Nandighosha chariot and one of Darpadalana chariot) and 5 Bhoi sevayats engaged in the construction of the three chariots of the Holy Trinity have been found positive with the virus infection, informed Shree Jagannath Temple Administration Development Administrator Ajay Jena.
In the second wave of the Covid pandemic, so far a total of 2 servitors and two family members of sevayats have succumbed to the infection, Jena said.
Currently the construction of Tumba(s), the round axles of the chariot wheels is underway and the number of carpenter and assistant servitors in the Rath works is low, so the cases have not affected the works in any way. But it is believed that once the chariot works speed up, deployment of more number of servitors might create a disconcerting scenario.
Sources said, the Temple Chief Administrator will chair a meeting on the chariot construction works today. Some important aspects regarding Covid guidelines, assistance, roping of extra manpower for chariot works are likely to take centrestage during the meeting.
It may be noted that Puri district administration has ordered sevayats on chariot work duties to stay in quarantine. Over some hundreds of servitors have already been mobilised for the Rath construction after Covid tests.
Official sources said senior ASI officials have been directed to set up camps and monitor the repair works. A high-level team of ASI led by Sharma visited Puri Srimandir and Konark Sun Temple today and categorically ruled out any structural damage to Konark Sun Temple during cyclone Fani.
“The team observed that by and large there is no structural damage to the Sun Temple. The team has informed that there is some dislocation in the scaffolding provided for chemical cleaning at upper level which is being set right,” said Sharma.
Over 200 trees have been damaged while the restoration of electricity and illumination system will take some time. However, the gates of Konark Sun Temple, which has been tagged as a world heritage site by UNESCO, will be thrown open for visitors in the next 2-3 days.
“The monument will be restored back to normal within a fortnight,” Sharma said adding that officials have been directed to complete the repair works at Puri temple before Rath Yatra.
On Thursday, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik had written to Union Minister of State (I/C) of Culture, Mahesh Sharma seeking Centre’s intervention to assess the damages caused to Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri and Konark Sun Temple by cyclone Fani which hit the State on May 3.
Earlier, the Superintending Archaeologist of ASI's Bhubaneswar Circle had inspected Shree Jagannath Temple at Puri and found certain damages on the surface but no major damage to the structure of the temple.
As Rath Yatra is one of the major international events, Odisha Police is keeping a close watch on all kinds of threat perceptions, informed DG RP Sharma after reviewing the preparedness for the Puri Car festival.
“To counter any emergency situation, we are going to activate the counter intelligence system. Besides, additional steps are being taken to strengthen coastal security by working in coordination with marine police and Indian Coast Guard,” said Sharma.
As per the schedule of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the Nabajauban Darshan of the deities will be held on July 2, 2019 while the Ratha Yatra will be held on July 4.
Senior police officials informed that there will be a ban on low-flying objects like helicopters and drone cameras over Badadanda and temple premises on the day of Rath Yatra for security reasons.
The Ministry of Home Affairs will be urged for deployment of two companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF) which will be in addition to the specialised forces of Odisha Police.
Meanwhile, emphasis is also being laid on speedy completion of the repair works of buildings damaged during cyclone Fani. Such buildings will be used to accommodate police personnel who will be deployed for security and traffic management during Rath Yatra.
Sharma further informed that a bomb disposal squad with metal detectors will be pressed into service along with a counter intelligence squad.
“Security will be monitored from a control room. Adequate security forces will be deployed for the safety of railway passengers and to maintain law and order during the event. A coordination meeting will be held with BSF, CRPF and Coast Guard soon,” he added.
However, SJTA will take a final decision tomorrow regarding which channel will be granted the rights for telecast of the entire annual chariot festival starting from Snana Purima to Rath Yatra, Bahuda, Suna Vesha and Niladri Bije this year.
“There were seven competitors and OTV emerged as the highest bidder. We do not know what will happen, as the SJTA will take a final decision tomorrow,” said Shyama Prasad Mishra, DGM OTV Network.
It is pertinent to mention here that the SJTA had recently decided to auction the telecast rights of the Puri Rath Yatra festival which draws lakhs of devotees from across the globe to the pilgrim town of Puri every year.
SJTA chief Pradipta Mohapatra had said that Puri temple holds the rights of telecast from Deva Snana Purnima to Niladri Bije and the temple administration is mulling to auction the telecast rights to increase its revenue.
Though SJTA claimed that the move is aimed at revenue generation, the decision has not gone down well with several servitors as well as other intellectuals.
Challenging the administration’s bidding process; a PIL was filed today in the Orissa High Court. Puri-based lawyer Prasanna Kumar Das has filed the PIL citing that auction of telecast rights is a violation of Srimandir Act. The petitioner has urged the court to scrap the notification.
Close on the heels of the temple administration’s letter inviting reputed TV channels to bid for the live broadcast rights of the event, several Odia and Hindi channels on Monday participated in the bidding process for the telecast of the mega event. However, according to official sources, OTV has emerged as the highest bidder with Rs 54 lakh bid for securing the broadcast rights of the mega festival.
Informing in this connection, OTV Network DGM Shyama Prasad Mishra said that out of seven competitors, OTV is the highest bidder for the telecast rights.
Amid much hue and cry over the temple administration’s decision for auction of live telecast rights, a Puri-based lawyer Prasanna Kumar Das has filed a PIL filed in Orissa High Court urging the court to scrap the notification citing that auction of telecast rights is a violation of Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1954.
On the other hand, a meeting of the temple management committee chaired by Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb will be held today. The timings of rituals from Deba Snana Purnima to Niladri Bije finalised by the temple administration are likely to be discussed for approval during the committee meeting. This apart, discussions on the telecast rights bidding decision could also be held during the occasion.
Ahead of the crucial meeting, senior servitor Binayak Das Mohapatra has slammed the SJTA for taking the telecast rights bidding decision unilaterally.
"The temple administration should not have taken such a decision which can adversely affect media companies working tirelessly for the promotion of Jagannath culture and tradition. When OTV clearly led the bidding, the temple administration should have taken a final decision yesterday itself but without doing that, it deferred the decision for today," said Das Mohapatra.
"We have decided to urge the Gajapati and also show our demands during the temple management committee meeting so that the telecast is allowed for everyone as it was carried out earlier," Das Mohapatra added.
Meanwhile, with just a few weeks remaining for the world famous Rath Yatra in the pilgrim city, construction of chariots and other preparations for the mega event are in full swing.
Shortly after a meeting of the Srimandir Management Committee chaired by Puri Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, SJTA Chief Administrator Pradipta Mohapatra informed that the live telecast rights of the Rath Yatra will not be given to a single channel and so all channels can broadcast the festival.
Asked about the bidding process held to auction the rights on Monday, Mohapatra clarified that the temple administration wants the channels to part with a part of the commercial revenue they earn during the live telecast of the festival.
“In a day or two, I will call heads of the channels to discuss in connection with this regard,” said Mohapatra.
He further added that any channel which does not feature advertisements while telecasting the festival will be allowed to broadcast the event free of charges.
"What is the objective behind giving advertisement in newspaper and inviting representatives of the television channels to the auction and then backtracking? In a very casual manner, they are saying that they wanted to understand the process. In that case they could have called us for discussions. When OTV emerged as the highest bidder, what is the justification behind such flip-flop?" questioned OTV Network DGM, Shyama Prasad Mishra.
Close on the heels of the temple administration’s letter inviting reputed TV channels to bid for the live broadcast rights of the event, several Odia and Hindi channels on Monday had participated in the bidding process for the telecast of the mega event. However, according to official sources, OTV had emerged as the highest bidder with Rs 54 lakh bid for securing the broadcast rights of the mega festival.
Following much hue and cry over the temple administration’s new decision for auction, a Puri-based lawyer Prasanna Kumar Das had filed a PIL filed in Orissa High Court urging the court to scrap the notification citing that auction of telecast rights is a violation of Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1954.
The SJTA has also asked the television channels to submit the list of commentators to be used during the live telecast and their knowledge of Jagannath culture. This has also stoked another controversy. Questions are now being raised on what parameters the SJTA will use to judge the commentators.
"The meeting also had a discussion on those who will be commentating during live telecast of the Rath Yatra on television. The temple administration also sought reports from the TV channels on the list of Rath Yatra commentators," said Ramchandra Das Mohapatra, a member of Shree Jagannath Temple management committee.
"I welcome the decision taken by the SJTA, but an expert committee should be formed to monitor the commentators," said Naresh Chandra Dash, a researcher of Lord Jagannath culture.
Passengers having android based smart phones can download this App from Google Play Store to get the information related to different regular and Special Trains and other facilities by East Coast Railway during the Rath Yatra festival. Scroll down to know more about the facilities in the ECOR Yatra App.
Special Trains: Complete details of Special Trains scheduled to run during the Rath Yatra period i.e. from 3rd to 14th July, 2019 will be available in the App.
ECoR Train Time Table: Information related to all regular Trains in the Train Time Table will be available in the App.
Live Train Information: Train Live Information including Platform Numbers allocation at Puri for respective Trains will be made available.
Lodging Arrangements: Facilities of Tourism, Retiring Rooms & Mela Shed arrangements are made available through IRCTC.
Rath Yatra Schedule: Rath Yatra ritual schedule from July 3 to July 14 will also be available in the App.
Ticket Counters: Information of Special Additional Ticket Counters at Puri and at wayside Stations are available.
Transport Facilities: Transport facilities at Puri by OSRTC and pre-paid taxi along with fares are also available.
Enquiry: Enquiry facilities like seat availability, fare enquiry are available and NTES and PNR Enquiry linked.
Ticketing: Both reserved and unreserved tickets can be booked through this App. Videos on use of Automatic Ticket vending Machine (ATVM) and Unreserved Ticketing System on Mobile (UTS on Mobile) can be viewed from this App.
Other Facilities: Information on other facilities like Helpline Numbers, Passenger Amenities like Catering & Drinking Water arrangement, e-catering, Medical Assistance and Sanitation, Wheel Chairs for Divyangjan, Battery operated Vehicle (BOV) at platform, Photo Gallery, Grievances and free Wi-Fi facilities can be available in this App.
Apart from this, Dos and Don’ts for the passengers, Security, Medical and other Helpline Numbers are available for direct dialing through this App. Provision of Emergency notification to the public like updates on cases of lost luggage, missing person etc. as received through Helpline Numbers can be available besides important public notification.
Live streaming of Rath yatra shall also be available through this App. Passengers are advised to download this App from Google Play Store and avoid long queue at Enquiry and Ticket Counters.
Ahead of the world famous annual Rath Yatra in Puri, East Coast Railway (ECoR) has launched a Special Awareness Drive for travelling passengers in overcrowded trains. Railway administration has urged the passengers to avoid train journey on footboard, buffers and rooftop of the train compartments for their safe journey.
Passengers are requested not to take food and drinking items from the strangers, not to carry any inflammable items like gas cylinder, stoves, debris, even cigarettes and matchbox etc., not to touch suspicious things like Tiffin box, baggage etc. without any owner, to avoid train journey without or with improper tickets, not to lean from train compartments of the running trains and not to board or alight when the train is in motion.
ECoR has also urged the passengers and voluntary organisations to take special care of the concerned co-passengers and counsel those who are leaning from the running trains, travelling on rooftop, footboard and buffers of the train and who carrying inflammable items etc.
Railway Protection Force (RPF) staff have also been advised to take special measures like precautions on Crowd Control and to keep a watch on touts and anti-socials particularly in crowded areas like Booking and PRS counters, enquiry counters, Tourist Complex and Mela Shed etc.
ECoR has arranged exclusive passenger amenities for the convenience of the passengers. Special Trains, Extra Ticket Counters, Additional Enquiry Counters & Information Centres, Special Train Time Table, Tourist Complex, Mela Shed, Catering & Drinking Water, Sanitation, Medical Assistance Booth, Illuminations, Safety & Security arrangements have been provided for the convenience of the pilgrims.
Apart from this, Level Crossings Gate Management, Manpower mobilisation, etc., has been made for smooth train operations and crowd management. ECoR is also providing help to Temple Administration with trained workforce, break-down materials for any possible breakdown of Chariots during Rath Yatra.
ECoR has also urged the pilgrims and passengers to use Mobile App like UTS (Unreserved Ticketing System) App, Mobile Rath Yatra App ECOR Yatra so that they can know all the information by Railways and to book Unreserved Journey Tickets by avoiding rush in Ticket Counters.
It has urged all passengers to avail the facilities of Railway Security Helpline '182' which is functional Round the Clock to report cases of Passenger’s Security and unsavoury situation during train journey.
It is being apprehended that tourists may face problems as the restoration work at many hotels is yet to be finished.
"The state government has not done anything for hotels and Dharmashalas which can provide shelter to thousands of tourists during the Rath Yatra. The restoration works are yet to be completed. The hotels near the sea beach are also reeling under similar condition," said Biswanath Behera, a local resident.
As per reports, around 800 hotels and lodges in the city were damaged by the cyclone.
"Hotels are available in the city but the facilities are not good like before. Only a few restaurants have re-opened after the cyclone," said a tourist, Debesh Deepak.
On the other hand, the state hotel owners' association has said that the hotels are ready to welcome the tourists during the Rath Yatra and assured that tourists will face no problems. It has also assured to provide good hospitality to the tourists during the annual sojourn of Lord Jagannath and his siblings.
"The restoration work has been completed at around 40 percent hotels in Puri. There will be no problem in providing accommodations to the tourists. As many restaurants are also running in the city now, there will be no problem in providing food during the annual event," informed Raj Kishore Das, Secretary of state hotel owners' association.
"Though the restoration work at some hotels is yet to be completed, around 85 percent hotels in the city are ready to welcome the tourists during the Rath Yatra," said Rabi Narayan Mishra, a hotel owner.
While the central government had announced to provide financial assistance to the cyclone-hit hoteliers in the town, the owners allege that they have not received any help so far.
The pilgrim town is all set to witness the annual Rath Yatra event on July 4.