SJTA Opposes Rajasthan Rath Yatra, Urges Cancellation of July 10 Procession

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has strongly opposed the proposed Adinia Rath Yatra scheduled for July 10 in Sikar district, Rajasthan.

In a formal letter, Puri District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida urged Sikar District Collector Ashish Modi to cancel the event, with a copy also sent to the Rajasthan Chief Secretary.

The procession is being organised by Vishwa Sanatan Dharma Seva Sansthan and Shri Khatu Shyam Mandal, with promotions already circulating on social media and newspapers.

SJTA Chief Administrator Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee emphasised that scriptural guidelines (Shastriya Vidhi) mandate the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra only on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya Tithi.

This year, the official Rath Yatra falls on July 16.

Any deviation, he warned, misleads devotees and undermines Jagannath culture.

Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb also condemned the move, expressing deep concern over attempts to hold the festival outside prescribed norms.

The temple administration reaffirmed that its stance aligns with earlier resolutions of the Temple Management Committee, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding Jagannath traditions.