rath yatra

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.

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.

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 (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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Shree Jagannath Society, Japan, celebrated Chandan Yatra in Tokyo for the third consecutive year, drawing 280 devotees. The event featured 'Vishnu Sahastranam' and 'Chandan Seva' for the deities. Children from the Odia diaspora chanted mantras on 'mantramaya jeevana', promoting spiritual values and cultural harmony.

A rationalist group presented a novel argument in the Supreme Court. They stated Article 25 of the Constitution permits individuals to change their religious affiliation throughout the day. This interpretation sparked debate among the judges. The court considered the implications of such freedom on religious practices and traditions. The discussion highlighted the balance between individual conscience and established religious customs.

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced the revival of Rajasthan's Jal Jeevan Mission with ₹4,800 crore approved to restart stalled projects. He warned against corruption, promising strict action, and assured uninterrupted water supply during summer. Shekhawat also addressed electrification issues, pledging to connect all remaining households within 1,000 days.

To prevent crowd management issues and ensure safety, the government has directed Puri district administration to significantly reduce cordon passes for the upcoming rath yatra. This measure aims to avoid incidents like last year's stampede, which resulted in fatalities. Access will be strictly limited to essential personnel for the ceremony's conduct.

The Baladevjew Temple endowment trust has procured 1,200 cubic feet of sal wood for constructing the state's second-tallest wooden chariot, standing at 64 feet. This year, all 14 wheels will be newly crafted due to previous issues with old timber.

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.

A 31-year-old man, Pratik Mishra, was re-arrested for issuing fresh threats to bomb the Jagannath Temple and Shankaracharya’s mutt in Puri during the rath yatra. Previously bailed for similar threats, Mishra, a habitual offender with 16 criminal cases, allegedly extorted money using fake social media profiles.

Construction of the sacred wooden chariots for the annual rath yatra in Puri commenced on Akshaya Tritiya, with sacred logs ceremonially placed at the Ratha Khala. The auspicious day also marked the beginning of the 42-day Chandan Yatra, observed in two phases. Puri police have announced a strict ban on fireworks during the festival following a tragic incident.

The phasi timber with a minimum of 6 ft girth, is generally used for construction of the wheels of the chariots.

East Coast Railway is accelerating preparations for the upcoming rath yatra in Puri, with General Manager Parmeshwar Funkwal inspecting the Khurda Road-Puri section and reviewing station redevelopment. All ongoing works at Puri railway station will be completed before the festival to manage the massive influx of devotees, ensuring safe and comfortable movement.

To prevent stampedes, the government will limit crowds on Puri's Grand Road and control devotee inflow during the rath yatra on July 16. A committee is assessing capacity, with plans to relocate food stalls and restrict performances near chariots. Volunteer numbers will also be capped and their roles defined.