Puri/Sikar, July 10: The Rajasthan administration has halted the proposed off-season Rath Yatra in Sikar after objections were raised by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri. Acting on the representations, the Sikar District Magistrate directed that the procession should not be held.

The Rath Yatra was scheduled to take place in Sikar on July 10. However, the Puri District Collector had written to the Sikar administration on Wednesday, urging it to ensure that the festival is observed strictly in accordance with the prescribed ‘tithi’ (Hindu lunar calendar) and long-standing religious traditions.

The SJTA also strongly opposed the proposed event. Its Deputy Chief Administrator wrote to the Sikar District Collector, requesting immediate intervention to stop the off-season Rath Yatra. A similar communication was sent to the Chief Secretary of the Rajasthan Government.

Following the objections, the Sikar District Magistrate issued orders to halt the procession. The Sikar Tehsildar has also requested the Khatu Shyam Mandal, the organiser of the event, not to conduct the Rath Yatra and instead observe the festival in accordance with Sanatan Dharma and established religious traditions.