Puri, June 26: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration has issued a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure a disciplined and orderly Rath Yatra this year. The administration has warned that any deviation from these norms will invite stringent action.
According to the official notification, all rituals associated with the Rath Yatra will be performed strictly in accordance with the prescribed schedule and religious protocol. All Palia Sevayats, Niyoga presidents and secretaries, alternate sevayats, and on-duty staff have been instructed to stay vigilant and ensure full compliance.
On June 27, the auspicious day of Shree Gundicha, key officials including the Chief Administrator, Deputy Chief Administrator, District Collector, Superintendent of Police, Temple Administrator, and members of the Coordination Committee will be present at the temple premises from early morning. They will oversee the seamless execution of the rituals, accompanied by the respective Niyoga representatives.
Strict entry restrictions will be in place on the day. Devotees and unauthorized individuals will not be allowed to enter the Jagamohan or Natamandap areas of the temple. Security and temple officials have been tasked with enforcing these restrictions.
All chariot decorations, including the tying of Charamala (holy ropes) and floral adornments, must be completed by 4:00 AM. The temple administration has directed that decorations must not obstruct the darshan (view) of the deities.
Climbing onto the chariots or touching the deities by unauthorized persons is strictly prohibited. The Daitapati Niyoga, along with its president, secretary, Badagrahi Sevaks, security personnel, and both government and temple police, will monitor the situation closely to prevent such violations.
To facilitate clear public darshan of the deities on the chariots, no servitor is permitted to stand between the deities’ arms or directly in front of them when rituals are not underway. Moreover, leaning on the idols or sitting with one’s back toward them is completely banned.
Responsibility for enforcing these norms has been entrusted to the President and Secretary of the Daitapati Niyoga and the Badagrahi Sevaks.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration emphasized that these measures are crucial to preserve the sanctity of the rituals and to ensure a spiritually enriching Rath Yatra experience for all.
