Just a day before the revered Rath Yatra, controversy erupted in Puri as a Campa Cola advertisement placed near the Jagannath Temple drew sharp condemnation from temple servitors and devotees.
The photo of the hoarding—strategically mounted above a shop close to the temple premises—surfaced on social media, sparking public outrage and triggering the hashtag #BoycottCampa across platforms.
Calling the display a violation of religious sanctity, senior servitor Ganeswar Mahasuar stated, “Using Lord Jagannath’s image or placing commercial branding in such sacred proximity is not just inappropriate—it deeply insults the faith of millions.”
Mahasuar demanded immediate removal of the advertisement, warning that inaction could prompt strict action from the temple administration. He also urged brands to respect spiritual sentiments, especially during critical festivals like Rath Yatra, which draws lakhs of pilgrims to Puri annually.
The timing of the incident—coinciding with the spiritual fervour around Rath Yatra—has intensified the backlash. Several cultural and religious organisations have echoed concerns, warning advertisers against trivialising heritage sites for commercial visibility.
While Reliance-backed Campa Cola has yet to release a statement, critics continue to mount pressure on the brand, calling the move a “blatant marketing gimmick.”
As Rath Yatra festivities gear up, all eyes remain on how authorities, business owners, and the brand itself respond to this emotionally charged controversy.
