The holy Chandan Yatra of Lord Jagannath faced an unprecedented disruption on its ninth day, leaving devotees heartbroken. The ritual of Chapa Khela (water sports) was abandoned after a heated dispute broke out between two groups of servitors (Sevayats) at Narendra Pushkarini around 10 PM.
Despite a three-hour wait for a resolution, the moving idol of Madan Mohan was forced to return to the Shrimandir without completing the festivities. While strong winds had already hampered daytime rituals, the nighttime deadlock was purely a result of internal discord.
Government & Admin Response:
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Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has ordered an immediate probe, promising strict action upon receiving the Chief Administrator’s report.
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Puri DM Divya Jyoti Parida confirmed that a report from the Shrimandir Commander is awaited to identify the agitators.
Though the Shrimandir administration has since intervened to resolve the dispute, the incident has sparked widespread criticism. Servitors have now pledged to ensure future rituals proceed without "pressure" or interference.