The Chhatisha Niyog meeting organised by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Friday has set the stage for the upcoming Chandan Yatra and Akshaya Tritiya celebrations in Puri.
Chaired by SJTA Chief Administrator, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, the meeting saw the participation of key officials, including District Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain, SP Vineet Agarwal, and members of the Chhatisha Niyog, who collectively deliberated on critical arrangements to ensure a seamless and secure festival.
The Chhatisha Niyog formally approved the ritual schedule (Niti) for this year’s Chandan Yatra, a significant festival where the deities’ movable idols are taken for a ceremonial boat ride in the Narendra Pushkarini. Dr. Padhee highlighted that various sevayats (servitors) presented several proposals during the discussions, which will be considered to enhance the festival’s execution. The temple administration has undertaken extensive preparations to ensure the smooth conduct of the event, with the district administration also aligning its efforts to support the festivities.
In a landmark decision aimed at prioritising devotee safety, the Srimandir administration has imposed a complete ban on fireworks displays at Narendra Pond during Chandan Yatra. This move comes in the wake of a tragic incident last year, where a fireworks explosion during the festival resulted in multiple fatalities and over 20 serious injuries. To further bolster safety, two first-aid centres will be established, and an insurance scheme has been introduced for both devotees and sevayats participating in the Chandan Yatra.
On the other hand, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) continues its ongoing efforts to preserve the temple’s Ratnabhandar (treasury). Dr. Padhee revealed plans to adorn the doors of both the outer and inner Ratnabhandar with gold and silver coverings. Additionally, the restructuring of the Srimandir Management Committee is under consideration, with the final decision resting with the state government.
The meeting also celebrated academic excellence, felicitating ten students (five boys and five girls) from Sevayat families who excelled in their examinations. These students were provided financial assistance and honoured for their achievements, reflecting the temple’s commitment to supporting its community.
Looking ahead, the holy Akshaya Tritiya will mark the commencement of Mahaprabhu’s Chapa Khela, a ritual where the deities’ idols are taken for a boat ride in the Narendra Pond. The movable idols of Mahaprabhu, accompanied by Bhudevi, Sridevi, and the Panchu Pandavas, will participate in the ceremonial boat ride on the Nanda and Bhadra boats. Concurrently, preparations for the world-famous Rath Yatra will begin, with the ritual consecration of chariot wood (Rath Katha Anukula) scheduled for Akshaya Tritiya.
Under the supervision of Rath Tattwabhadharak Sudarshan Mekap and Bhoi Sardar Rabi Bhoi, the Bhoi sevayats have already started repairing boats at Narendra Pond, a process that commenced on the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Purnima. These efforts ensure that the boats are ready for the ceremonial rides during the Chandan Yatra.
District Magistrate Siddharth Shankar Swain and SP Vineet Agarwal reaffirmed that the district administration has made comprehensive arrangements to facilitate a safe and orderly Chandan Yatra.
