Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri, has objected to the proposed observance of Ratha Yatra by Jagannath Mandir in Ferozepur Cantonment of Punjab on May 23, saying that the event does not conform to the traditional religious calendar and scriptural customs associated with Lord Jagannath.

SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee has written a letter to Ferozepur District Magistrate Deepshikha Sharma, urging the district administration to intervene and prevent the temple from conducting the festival on the proposed date.

In the letter, Padhee stated that according to the traditional ‘Tithi’ and established rituals of Lord Jagannath, Ratha Yatra in 2026 is scheduled to be observed on July 16. He said any celebration of the sacred festival on a date other than the one prescribed by tradition and scriptures could hurt the religious sentiments of millions of Jagannath devotees in India and abroad.

He mentioned that the proposed observance on May 23 came to the administration’s notice through publicity materials and social media posts circulating online.

Padhee further pointed out that the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, under resolutions adopted by its Managing Committee, chaired by the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, has consistently opposed such untimely observances in the past as well.

Seeking immediate administrative action, the SJTA requested the Ferozepur district administration to ensure that Ratha Yatra is conducted strictly in accordance with the traditions followed at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.