Bhubaneswar, January 14: The special rituals of Lord Lingaraj at the famous Lord Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar were not performed today on the occasion of Makara Sankranti, following a dispute between temple servitors.

Since the deity has not been offered any food, Lord Lingaraj is said to be observing fasting. The ‘Nabanka Laagi’ ritual, which was scheduled for today, has been suspended for the past 12 hours.

Sources say the dispute is between the Brahmin Nijoga and Badu Nijoga servitor groups and has been ongoing for several years. Badu Nijoga had approached the High Court, which directed the Endowment Department to resolve the issue. However, the conflict remains unresolved.

As a result, all rituals at the temple have been suspended since yesterday following the Sandhya Dhupa ritual. Servitors have warned that rituals will remain halted until the dispute is settled.

Devotees have expressed disappointment over the suspension of the traditional rituals on this auspicious day.