In a firm stand to protect the sanctity of one of Hinduism’s most revered festivals, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration has strongly opposed the proposed ‘Adinia Rath Yatra’ scheduled for July 10 in Rajasthan’s Sikar district.
Puri District Collector and Srimandir Deputy Chief Administrator Dibyajyoti Parida has written an official letter to Sikar District Collector Ashish Modi, urging immediate cancellation of the event. A copy has also been sent to the Chief Secretary of Rajasthan.
The proposed procession is being organised by Vishwa Sanatan Dharma Seva Sansthan and Shri Khatu Shyam Mandal, with promotional announcements appearing on social media and in newspapers.
Why the Strong Opposition?
Temple authorities have made it unequivocally clear: According to Shastriya Vidhi (scriptural guidelines), the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra must be observed only on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya Tithi.
This year, the grand Rath Yatra will be held across Puri and the world on July 16. Organising it on any other date is not just against tradition — it disrespects the divine legacy of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath and spreads misleading messages among devotees.
Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Chief Administrator, SJTA, stated:
Conducting such Rath Yatras outside the prescribed norms undermines the dignity of Shree Jagannath’s culture and scriptural traditions while spreading wrong information.
Adding his voice to the protest, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb expressed deep concern and strongly condemned the move by the organisers.
The temple administration has clarified that this opposition is consistent with earlier resolutions of the Temple Management Committee.
They have vowed to continue taking all necessary steps to safeguard the original scriptural traditions of Lord Jagannath.
