Bhubaneswar, Sept 19: A controversy has erupted over the use of what was claimed to be Lord Jagannath’s Khandua pata to honour Odia actress Lumraina Satpathy at a Ganesh Puja pandal in Bhubaneswar.
A video of the felicitation, reportedly shared by the actress on her social media account, shows the cloth being placed around her neck.
According to her post, she was invited and felicitated by the Mangal Raja Puja Committee in Bhubaneswar.
The video has sparked concern among Jagannath devotees, with questions being raised over the manner in which the sacred cloth was used. Critics have pointed out that the cloth extended well below the actress’s knees, alleging that it even touched the ground and feet.
Khandua and Gitagovinda cloths hold a special place in the rituals and traditions associated with Lord Jagannath. Devotees and religious observers have traditionally regarded the Sri Angalagi cloth, associated with the deity, with deep reverence.
Following the video's circulation on social media, concerns have been raised over whether sacred temple-associated cloth should be used as a conventional felicitation shawl.
The incident has triggered a wider discussion over maintaining the sanctity and dignity of Lord Jagannath-related traditions while honouring guests at public and cultural events.
