Chandan Yatra Disrupted: Lord Jagannath’s Boat Ride Cancelled Amid Servitor Row in Puri

Puri, April 28: A rare disruption marred the sacred Chandan Yatra festival in Puri as the traditional ‘Chapa Khela’ (divine boat ride) of Lord Jagannath’s representative deities was cancelled following a dispute between servitor groups.

On the ninth day of the festival, deities Madanmohan, Ramakrishna, and the Pancha Pandavas were brought to the decorated boats at Narendra Pushkarini.

However, the ritual was halted after a clash between Singhari Nijog and Sudu Suar Nijog servitors.

Reports suggest that Sudu Suar servitors prevented others from boarding the boat, leading to a complete standstill.

Despite attempts at mediation by the district administration, no resolution was reached, leaving thousands of devotees disappointed.

The cancellation of Chapa Khela, a central attraction of Chandan Yatra, has drawn widespread criticism across Odisha, with devotees expressing resentment over the disruption of age‑old traditions.