The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri has raised strong objections to the planned early celebration of Rath Yatra by a Jagannath temple in Ferozepur, Punjab. SJTA Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee has formally requested the Ferozepur district authorities to intervene and stop the event, which is set for May 23, 2026.
The local temple in Ferozepur Cantonment intends to hold the Rath Yatra nearly two months ahead of the official date observed by the main temple in Puri. The SJTA emphasized that the festival must adhere to the traditional Tithi and scriptural calendar linked to Lord Jagannath. The authentic Rath Yatra in 2026 is scheduled for July 16, according to the official ritual timetable.
Dr. Padhee highlighted concerns that celebrating the festival on an unauthorized date could offend the religious sentiments of millions of devotees nationwide and internationally. The SJTA also noted that the Managing Committee of the Shree Jagannath Temple, chaired permanently by the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, has consistently opposed premature Rath Yatra celebrations elsewhere in India.
The administration has urged the Punjab government to ensure that all rituals related to Lord Jagannath follow the traditions of the Moola Pitha, the original seat of the deity in Puri. A copy of the communication has been sent to the Punjab Chief Secretary for coordination. Further official updates on the matter are awaited.
This local update is prepared from publicly available information. Readers should verify critical details from official communication where necessary.