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United News of India
29-06-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Odisha CM, Law Minister must resign for Rath Yatra chaos, mismanagement, demands BJD
Bhubaneswar, June 28 (UNI) Coming down heavily on the BJP-led Odisha Government for the "chaos and glaring mismanagement" during the observance of Rath Yatra at Puri, the Opposition BJD today said Chief Minister Mohan Majhi and Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan should own moral responsibility for the lapses and resign. The BJD also demanded the government must immediately disclose the official number of deceased and injured persons in the stampede that occurred. Stating that this year's Rath Yatra witnessed unprecedented disorder and mismanagement, BJD Vice President Pratap Jena said the spiritual emotions of millions of devotees who travelled from across the country and abroad to witness the divine Trinity have been deeply hurt. The government's assurance of a flawless Rath Yatra turned out to be "nothing more than an empty promise", he said. Pointing out the chaos in observance of the festival of the revered deities, he said Lord Jagannath's Nandighosha chariot did not move an inch until late evening, in "a serious breach of tradition". The chariots of Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra too failed to cross the Balagandi Chhak. Despite there being no provision to pull chariots after sunset, the chariot of Lord Jagannath was dragged forward by a few feet at 7:45 PM, only to symbolically fulfill ritual protocol — a move that hurt the religious sentiments of devotees, the senior BJD leader Jena said. Ironically both the Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple and Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan shied away from the responsibility by casually saying, 'it happened according to the Lord's will.' BJD strongly condemned "such irresponsible statements" and reminded the state government that it is their duty to conduct the Rath Yatra with discipline and dignity. Despite holding valid passes, journalists were denied entry into the cordon zone and were manhandled by police personnel assigned to cordon duty. Nearly seven–eight senior journalists were injured during this incident, he rued. He also stated that even with a large police presence, devotees were left unsafe during the chariot pulling, and the traffic system completely collapsed. With over 1,000 injuries reported, at least eight individuals were admitted to ICU, and reports of two or more deaths have surfaced, he said. He demanded the state government must immediately disclose the official number of deceased and injured persons. BJD further blamed the government's reckless distribution of record-high cordon passes for the chaos. Approximately 10,000 cordon passes were issued this year, many of which were distributed through party workers. Shockingly, two ministers alone issued 6,000 passes, leading to uncontrolled crowds breaching the cordon, significantly delaying the chariot pulling. Before the Yatra began, during the Anasara period, there were reports that a few Modak which were offered to the Lord were stolen. Notably, during last year's Rath Yatra, Lord Balabhadra's idol had fallen during the Pahandi ceremony, an incident that emotionally affected devotees worldwide. Till date, no report has been made public to that effect even after a year. UNI XC RN
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rath Yatra begins, thousands pay obeisance
Ranchi: With chants of "Jai Jagannath" rending the air, thousands of devotees gathered at the historic Jagannath Temple in Dhurwa here on Thursday for live darshan of Lord Jagannath and special rituals, a day ahead of the annual Rath Yatra. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The spiritual atmosphere was marked by devotion and preparation for Rath Yatra as temple priests performed Netra Daan ceremony, symbolically restoring the divine sight to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra after their 15-day seclusion (Anasara). The three idols were ceremonially bathed using 51 earthen pots filled with milk, curd, turmeric, rose water and other holy items, accompanied by Vedic chants. Later, an elaborate aarti was held with 108 lamps and 'bhog' (food) offerings of 'malpua' (a sweet dish). All devotees congregating at the temple expressed a deep emotional connection with the event. Medha Kumari, who comes from Jamshedpur, said, "I come here every year, but today's darshan felt even more special after the long wait during the 'Anasara'. The energy, the chants and the rituals, it feels like Lord Jagannath is truly among us." Sudhanshu Nath Shahdeo, the chief priest of the Jagannath Temple, said, "Today's darshan marks the return of the deities after the Anasara. Devotees were waiting eagerly for this moment. With the Netra Daan, the Gods regain their divine sight and are ready for the Rath Yatra tomorrow. We expect even larger crowds for the chariot procession. Every ritual is being followed in strict accordance with tradition." The Rath Yatra here will mirror Puri's famed chariot procession with Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra seated on a majestic 40-foot chariot made from sal, mango and jamun wood adorned with red and yellow cloth, a brass 'Kalash', 'Sudarshan Chakra' and wooden figures of 'Jay-Vijay', horses and elephants. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The procession will begin at the temple around mid-afternoon, proceeding along a designated route to the Mausi Bari (aunt's temple) where the deities will dwell for seven days. Devotees will manually pull the chariot, and in keeping with tradition, even dignitaries symbolically sweep the path ahead of the deities, emphasizing humility and unity. Security and logistics have been meticulously arranged with the administration installing barricades, CCTV cameras, watch towers, ambulances, fire tenders, mobile toilets, drinking water stations and 24/7 electricity. Vehicular traffic will be restricted during the procession. Environmental measures are in place to ban single-use plastics and a cleanliness drive around Dhurwa has been conducted by the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC). A festive fair will accompany the procession at the temple grounds. The fair will include cultural performances, prasad distribution and numerous stalls, and is expected to draw huge crowds.
New Indian Express
25-06-2025
- New Indian Express
70 Modaks ‘stolen' from Srimandir, Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan refutes claims
BHUBANESWAR: DAYS ahead of the Rath Yatra, a new controversy has erupted at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri over alleged theft of 70 Dashamula Modaks (herbal medicines) from the shrine's Garada Ghara or storehouse. The traditional medicinal formulations, made from different kinds of herbs and natural ingredients, are offered to the Trinity during the Anasara period, when the deities suffer from fever. While a complaint in this regard was filed by the badagrahi of Lord Balabhadra Haladhar Das Mohapatra with the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Tuesday refuted the allegation. The incident came to light on June 21 night when 313 Modaks were brought to the shrine's Garada Ghara under tight security. The next day during the Anavasara Ekadashi ritual, only 243 Modaks were reportedly found, prompting Das Mohapatra to file a formal complaint with SJTA. Temple chief administrator Arabinda Padhee acknowledged receipt of the complaint. However, Harichandan termed the allegations of theft as baseless. 'The Modaks which are offered to the deities are never counted before the offering. Hence, there is no question of theft. Action will be taken against those who are trying to create such unnecessary controversy,' he said. Padhee said investigation into the allegation is underway but preliminary findings do not substantiate the theft claims. Stating that this is a confidential ritual of the shrine, he also cautioned against public discussion of such matters.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Rath Yatra rituals commence in Prayagraj
1 2 Prayagraj: The religious rituals for Rath Yatra commenced at Shringverpur Dham with the offering of traditional herbal decoction (kaadha) to Lord Jagannath, currently believed to be unwell, on Thursday. According to ancient tradition, similar to Odisha's famous Puri temple, Lord Jagannath in Shringverpur Dham is said to fall ill for fifteen days after the ceremonial Snan Yatra or divine bath performed on the full moon day of Jyeshtha month of Hindu calendar at the Shri Ram Var Vishram Ashram. Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Subhadra and Balabhadra, was brought out of the sanctum sanctorum for a grand ritual bathing after which he is believed to fall ill and goes for rest for fifteen days, called as a period of rest or Anasara. On Thursday, Mahant Peethadheeshwar of Shringverpur Dham, Ram Prasad Das Shastri Maharaj offered a traditional herbal decoction (kaadha) to the deity. He then placed Lord Jagannath in a resting state with proper rituals, offered him special garments, performed his aarti, and began dedicated service for his recovery. The tradition has been followed by both, the Shri Tulsi Sahitya Prachar Samiti and the Shringverpur Teerth Kshetra Trust, this year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What She Did Mid-Air Left Passengers Speechless medalmerit Learn More Undo According to Mahant Ram Prasad Das Shastri, after the divine rest period, Lord Jagannath will reappear for public darshan on the Dwitiya tithi of Shukla Paksha in Ashadha month of Hindu calendar. On July 27, a Rath Yatra will be taken out when Lord Jagannath will come out of his resting chamber and ride a chariot to visit his Mausi (aunt) at Gudicha Mandir. The procession will start from Shri Ram Var Vishram Ashram and conclude at Shri Ram Sandhya Math near Shri Ram Ghat. The event is being organised jointly by the Shri Tulsi Sahitya Prachar Samiti and the Shringverpur Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Devotees gather at temples in numbers to witness Debasnan Purnima in state
Ranchi: The Jagannathpur Temple in Dhurwa witnessed a sea of devotees on Wednesday as thousands gathered for the annual Debasnan ritual of Lord Jagannath, held on the auspicious Purnima Tithi of Jyeshtha month. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The ceremonial bathing marked the beginning of the Lord's Anasara period, a 15-day phase of seclusion during which it is believed that the deity falls mildly ill from excessive ritualistic bathing. For nearly two hours, devotees performed Jalabhishek of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra, using 51 earthen pots each, filled with sacred water blended with curd, milk, ghee, turmeric, rose water, flowers, and ashwagandha. The rituals were followed by Mangal Aarti, recitation of the Bhagavad Gita, and offering of Malpua bhog. Thakur Sudhansu Nath Shahdeo, chief priest of the Jagannathpur temple, said, "The Snan Yatra is not just symbolic, it reflects our devotion. After this ritual, the Lord is believed to catch a fever, and hence we place him in the Garud Kaksh for rest." During the 15-day Anasara, the idols remain out of public view until Netra Daan (renewal of divine sight) on June 26, followed by the grand Rath Yatra on June 27, when the deities will be taken out in a majestic chariot procession. This year's rath (chariot) is being constructed using three kinds of wood: mango, sal, and jamun, with steel reinforcements for added strength. Last year's Rath Yatra generated Rs 1.97 crore, and temple authorities expect higher participation and revenue this time.
