Puri: The Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration in Puri has successfully intervened to prevent the untimely observance of the sacred Netrotsava and Ratha yatra festivals in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, ensuring the preservation of centuries-old scriptural traditions and religious customs.
The Bhagaban Shree Jagannatha Ratha Yatra Seva Samiti in Hapur had initially planned to host the Netrotsava on June 13 and the grand Ratha Yatra on June 14. However, according to the traditional religious calendar and established Vedic rituals associated with the Moola Pitha of Shree Jagannatha Temple, these sacred dates fall in July. For the current year, scripture mandates that Netrotsava be observed on July 14, followed by the chariot festival on July 16.
Recognizing that an unsanctioned deviation would deeply hurt the religious sentiments of millions of Sanatana Dharma devotees worldwide, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, the Chief Administrator, Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration, reached out to the Hapur district administration. In his communication, SJTA Chief Dr.Padhee emphasized that the Managing Committee, under the spiritual leadership of the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, strongly objects to any arbitrary scheduling that violates traditional tithis.
In response to this sacred appeal, Hapur District Magistrate Shrimati Kavita Meena directed local authorities to take necessary action in accordance with religious norms. Consequently, the local organizing committee in Hapur bowed to the divine decree of the Puri temple management and formally cancelled their premature June schedule. The organizers announced that the celebrations will now be realigned and observed strictly under the guidance of the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration to respect the sanctity of the Lord’s traditional timeline.
Expressing profound spiritual satisfaction, the temple authorities in Puri extended their heartfelt gratitude to District Magistrate Smt.Kavita Meena and the entire Hapur administration for their timely intervention, which has successfully upheld the honor, scriptural dignity, and pristine traditions of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha.