The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri held its Chhatisha Nijog meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda K Padhee, setting the stage for the upcoming Snana Yatra and the world-famous Rath Yatra.
The meeting, attended by key figures including Chhatisha Nijog Mahanayak Janardan Pattjoshi Mahapatra, District Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain, and SP Vinit Agrawal, focused on ensuring a disciplined and seamless execution of Lord Jagannath’s rituals from Rajendrabhishek to Niladri Bije.
The temple administration approved the ritual timetable, introducing minor adjustments compared to the previous year to enhance order and safety. A significant decision was to limit the Pahandi procession to only designated and essential servitors, reducing congestion and ensuring smoother proceedings. To further streamline the process, each deity’s Pahandi will be supervised by a senior officer, supported by temple police, Bhoi Sevak, senior Tattwabdhak, and Charamala inspectors. This move aims to prevent any mishaps and maintain the sanctity of the rituals.
For the Snana Purnima on June 11, 2025, a detailed schedule was outlined. The day will commence with Mangalarpana at 4:30 AM, followed by the Pahandi from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM. The Jala Bije and puja rituals are scheduled from 12:20 PM to 1:45 PM, with Chhera Pahanra at 3:30 PM and the iconic Hati Besha at 4:30 PM.
Devotees can participate in the Sahana Mela darshan from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. The day will conclude with the Bahuda Pahandi, Suna Chita, and Rahu Rekha Mailam between 11:30 PM and 2:30 AM. The administration noted that the schedule might be adjusted based on the day’s rituals to ensure flawless execution.
The meeting also addressed the formation of the temple’s management committee. Dr. Padhee clarified that Gajapati Maharaja remains the permanent chairman, but the committee is yet to be constituted. A follow-up meeting with the Chief Secretary, Law Department, and Debotar Department officials is planned to finalise the committee’s structure, ensuring robust governance of temple activities.
Special emphasis was placed on maintaining discipline during the Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra, with the administration seeking cooperation from Chhatisha Nijog servitors to uphold the temple’s traditions.
The discussions also referenced the Jyoti Malhotra incident, highlighting the need for heightened security awareness. As a result, a guideline for devotees visiting the temple is under consideration to enhance safety and convenience during these grand festivals.
The decisions reflect the temple administration’s commitment to preserving the sanctity of Lord Jagannath’s rituals while accommodating the millions of devotees expected to throng Puri.
With meticulous planning and coordination, the Shree Jagannath Temple is poised to conduct the 2025 Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra with unparalleled devotion and order.
