jagannath temple

An unscheduled Rath Yatra planned for June 14 in Hapur district has been cancelled. This follows a request from the Puri Shree jagannath temple Administration to the Hapur district collector. The organization has now agreed to celebrate Rath Yatra on July 16, aligning with the Puri temple's schedule.

The Shree jagannath temple Administration successfully prevented an early Rath Yatra celebration in Punjab by coordinating with local authorities. A temple in Ferozepur, initially planning the festival for May 23, has now agreed to align with Puri's official July 16 date. This move ensures uniformity, though a similar request to Uttar Pradesh remains unanswered.

The Shree jagannath temple Administration (SJTA) has urged the Uttar Pradesh government to intervene and stop an organization in Hapur from holding Rath Yatra on non-traditional dates. The SJTA stated that untimely celebrations would hurt the religious sentiments of devotees, emphasizing adherence to the official schedule observed at the Puri temple.

A Bhandar Mekap servitor at Shree jagannath temple was suspended for unruly conduct and indiscipline during an inventory of valuables. The dispute, described as a personal matter, did not disrupt the ongoing inventory process. This incident highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining servitor discipline at the shrine.

Odia cuisine was showcased at the Indian Food Festival in Ingolstadt, Germany, with 15 delicacies including the Annapurna Odia thali and dahibara aloodum. Organized by Shree Jagannatha Seva Germany and Odia European Society, the event highlighted Odisha's culinary heritage. Proceeds will support the upcoming Rath Yatra.

More than fifty persons with disabilities visited the jagannath temple in Puri together. This event renews calls for permanent accessibility and inclusive pilgrimage facilities. Many participants experienced the temple for the first time. Special arrangements were made for their visit. The collective entry highlights both joy and past exclusion. Disability rights groups advocate for equal access to the shrine.

In anticipation of the Puri Rath Yatra, a critical directive has been issued by Odisha's DGP to establish an effective crowd-control framework, putting the safety of devotees front and center, especially after last year’s unfortunate event. Senior law enforcement officers are fine-tuning strategies for emergency readiness, disaster management, and cross-departmental cooperation.

Animated feature film 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath', which will release across more than 300 screens in Hindi, Odia and Telugu, will begin the first chapter of the 'Sanatan Universe'.

Odia diaspora worldwide is protesting ISKCON's untimely Rath Yatra celebrations abroad, citing scriptural and traditional deviations from Puri's annual festival. While ISKCON agreed to hold the yatra in India during July, they are proceeding with overseas events on different dates. Concerns are mounting, with diaspora groups planning further actions and seeking official intervention.

Jagannath devotees express anger and disappointment as ISKCON's Bhaktivedanta Manor in the UK held Snana Yatra on May 10, allegedly disregarding objections from Puri's Shree jagannath temple and adhering to a non-traditional timing. This deviation from the sacred calendar has sparked calls for ISKCON leadership to clarify, apologize, and commit to observing future festivals according to Puri's established traditions.

The meticulous counting of jewels and ornaments in jagannath temple's inner treasury, the Bhitara Bhandar, will resume on Monday and continue for two days. This crucial inventory, which began in April, was temporarily halted for religious rituals. The process, involving photography, videography, and 3D scanning, aims for a comprehensive cataloging of valuable items.

Rekha Senapati, a resident of Manchester, UK, has been honored with the prestigious Mayor’s Citizenship Award for her over 25 years of voluntary service to individuals with life-threatening illnesses and her advocacy for women's empowerment. She has raised significant funds and provided care for those suffering from critical diseases, particularly cancer, while also organizing cultural events.

BJP national president Nitin Nabin's maiden two-day visit to Odisha begins Sunday, igniting enthusiasm among cadres ahead of upcoming local elections. He will preside over high-level meetings and training programs, aiming to strengthen the party's organizational base and chart a course for future electoral challenges.

BJP national president Nitin Nabin emphasized long-term commitment and discipline for governance, urging Odisha BJP to align with PM Modi's vision. He stressed grassroots connect and stronger coordination, while criticizing opposition parties for negative politics and hindering development. Nabin also highlighted national security challenges and the importance of culturally rooted development.

Following the BJP's electoral victory in West Bengal, Jagannath devotees in Odisha are hopeful that the term 'dham' will be removed from the Digha temple's name. For months, religious groups objected to the use of 'Jagannath Dham' for the Digha shrine, arguing it infringes on Puri's unique spiritual and historical association.

A dispute between two servitors disrupted the jagannath temple's Chandan Yatra rituals on Tuesday night, halting the ceremonial voyage of the deities on Narendra pond. The government has warned of strict action against those responsible for the incident, which saw the divine boat ride cancelled. Devotees expressed disappointment over the disruption.

Odisha's Khandagiri and Udayagiri hills are set for a Rs 100 crore tourism development, aiming to transform them into a complete tourist pride. The project includes infrastructure upgrades, beautification, a statue of Emperor Kharavela, and improved accessibility for all visitors. This initiative seeks to enhance the heritage sites' appeal and visitor experience.

Andhra Pradesh has reportedly commenced its Census in Kotia villages, reigniting the long-standing border dispute with Odisha. This move follows Odisha's recent administrative visit and Census completion. Both states claim control over these villages, a matter pending before the Supreme Court since 1968, intensifying tensions in the region.

Odisha's Law Commission proposes a strict dress code for the jagannath temple, mandating traditional attire for priests and specific outfits for devotees, including a ban on women wearing shirts and jeans. The recommendations, currently under government review, also suggest harsher penalties for temple property encroachment and misconduct by servitors.

Three individuals were apprehended for the brutal murder of a jagannath temple guard and the theft of over Rs 3 lakh from a donation box. The accused, identified as Dev Kumar, Vikas Mahli, and Ayush Kumar, confessed to striking the sleeping guard with a stone out of fear of identification. Recovered funds and crime implements were seized following their confessions.

Shree Jagannatha Seva Germany organized Akshay Tritiya and Ratha Anukula at the jagannath temple in Munich, marking the commencement of chariot construction for the July 16 Rath Yatra. Around 200 Indian residents attended the event, which featured traditional rituals and the distribution of prasad, including chhenapoda and mahura.

Lingaraj Temple's Record of Rights Committee proposed round-the-clock CCTV surveillance inside and around the sanctum sanctorum. This aims to ensure transparent ritual conduct and prevent servitor disputes. The committee also recommended improved lighting, basic amenities for devotees, and special training for servitors, as part of broader efforts to enhance temple management and devotee experience.