SJTA Demands Halt to ‘Untimely’ Rath Yatra in Punjab

Puri: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri has strongly objected to the proposed Rath Yatra in Ferozepur, Punjab, scheduled for May 23, 2026.

Officials described the plan as “untimely,” stressing that the sacred festival must be observed strictly according to the traditional Tithi and scriptural calendar.

SJTA Chief Administrator Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee has formally urged the Deputy Commissioner‑cum‑District Magistrate of Ferozepur to stop the event, with a copy of the letter also sent to the Punjab Chief Secretary.

The Managing Committee of Shree Jagannath Temple, under the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, has consistently opposed premature observances of the festival across India, citing the risk of hurting the sentiments of millions of devotees.

The official Rath Yatra is scheduled for July 16, 2026, in Puri. Devotees across Odisha and beyond are closely watching how the Punjab administration responds to SJTA’s intervention, which underscores the importance of maintaining scriptural authenticity and unity in observance.