Gitagovinda Patta Sale on Instagram Sparks Massive Backlash
Bhubaneswar: A massive controversy has erupted after an Instagram account named gohonari4u advertised the sale of sacred items linked to Lord Jagannath’s traditions, including the revered Gitagovinda Patta and idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
Devotees expressed shock and anger, calling the act a violation of religious sanctity.
The Gitagovinda Patta, a textile scroll integral to centuries‑old Nitikanti rituals in the Shree Jagannath Temple, is considered a sacred treasure.
Its commercial sale has been condemned as deeply offensive.
Social media platforms were flooded with demands for immediate action, with devotees urging the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration and law enforcement agencies to investigate and protect Jagannath culture from exploitation.
Authorities have yet to clarify whether the items are genuine temple artefacts or replicas.
However, the incident has reignited concerns about safeguarding Odisha’s spiritual heritage in the digital age.
