Non-servitors climbing atop chariots during Puri Rath Yatra triggers row
Pictures and videos of non-servants atop Lord Jagannath and His siblings' chariots during Rath Yatra have gone viral on various social media platforms, raising concerns about security during the recently concluded festival in Odisha's Puri town.
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Puri: Pictures and videos of non-servants atop Lord Jagannath and His siblings' chariots during Rath Yatra have gone viral on various social media platforms, raising concerns about security during the recently concluded festival in Odisha's Puri town.
According to sources, these non-servants were seen freely moving atop the chariots, standing very close to the deities, and posing for photos while touching and embracing the deities. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration's guidelines clearly prohibit the use of mobile phones and non-servants atop the chariots.
The servitors, on the other hand, have dismissed this incident as insignificant. "During Rath Yatra, some of the servitors' associates are permitted to climb atop the chariots." They assist Daitapatis and other servants in various ways.
They were allowed to climb the chariots even during COVID. "There is nothing to be concerned about," said senior servant Binayak Das Mohapatra.
Some even attempted to justify the use of mobile phones by claiming that it is now impossible to function without them.
However, another sevayat told a local news channel that such violations should be dealt with harshly. "Unfortunately, they dressed as servants and climbed the chariots. "They need to be arrested to send a message," he explained.
According to devotees, it is critical to follow the rules.
