A temple in Punjab has delayed its planned Rath Yatra over objections from authorities at the famous Jagannath Temple about the “untimely” celebration of the sacred festival.
Meanwhile, the district administration of Ferozepur has informed the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri on Wednesday that the proposed Rath Yatra, which was due to be held on May 23 has been deferred. The decision came after officials of the shrine in Odisha, called for the festival to be celebrated on the basis of traditional religious calendar and rituals.
Earlier, the chief administrator of the SJTA, Arabinda Padhee had written to Ferozepur District Magistrate Deepshikha Sharma, seeking assistance for the prevention of the event being organised on the date not followed by the scriptural traditions.
To address the concerns, Sharma said, the local temple authorities were invited for discussions on May 20, and told about the religious importance and proper timing of Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra. Post the meeting, the administration of Ferozepur temple is said to have sent a written consent regarding postponing the event.
Padhee later praised the prompt action of the district administration and its cooperation, stating that the Punjab temple has now agreed to hold the Rath Yatra on July 16, in accord with this year’s officially accepted religious calendar.
The controversy broke out when the organisers began circulating publicity materials and the social media post on the proposed May 23 procession went viral, triggering a protest by devotees and officials of the Odisha temples. SJTA had argued that it could impact on religious sentiments and cause confusion among the devotees if the festival was to be held on random dates.
Rath Yatra is one of the most important Hindu festivals in India which is celebrated in the holy town of Puri with immense precision and in thousands of years old traditions.