Puri, July 18: Despite strict restrictions, rules were allegedly violated during the Rath Yatra as several servitors were seen taking photos and recording videos on the chariots alongside the Holy Trinity. While Lord Jagannath and the other deities were being carried on the chariots, some servitors were also reportedly seen sitting with their backs facing the deities, drawing criticism from devotees.

The incident has been described as a violation of the guidelines approved by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration Committee. The administration had prohibited the use of mobile phones and photography on the chariots and had warned that violators would face action, including seizure of their devices. However, the restrictions were allegedly ignored.

According to reports, servitors had been instructed not to stand in front of the deities when the chariots were stationary, as it could obstruct devotees’ view. The administration had assigned responsibility to senior servitors, known as Bada Grahis, to ensure proper arrangements and prevent such issues.

The alleged lapses have sparked disappointment among devotees, who have urged the administration to take stricter measures to ensure that the viewing experience of millions of devotees is not affected during the annual festival.

Since the chariot procession is broadcast live by the media and lakhs of devotees depend on these visuals for darshan, intellectuals and devotees have also called for a complete ban on selfies and video recording on the chariots.