The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Monday strongly opposed the proposed celebration of an ‘untimely’ Ratha Yatra and Netrotsav in Uttar Pradesh’s Hapur, stating that the festivals must only be observed on traditionally sanctioned dates as per religious scriptures and customs associated with Lord Jagannath, and the temple traditions.

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According to reports circulating in the media, a local organisation named Bhagwan Shree Jagannatha Ratha Yatra Seva Samiti in Hapur has planned to organise Netrotsav on June 13, 2026, and Ratha Yatra on June 14, 2026.

In response, SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee wrote to the District Magistrate of Hapur today, urging the authorities to intervene and stop the observance of the rituals on dates that do not align with the traditional Hindu calendar and prescribed temple customs.

The letter requested the district administration to ensure that the organisers refrain from conducting the festivals on non-sanctioned dates. The temple administration maintained that any deviation from the approved ritual calendar could hurt the religious sentiments of millions of Jagannath devotees across India and abroad.

The Chief Administrator highlighted that the temple’s managing committee, headed by the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, has already passed a formal resolution opposing the celebration of Ratha Yatra and Netrotsav festivals on dates other than those prescribed by tradition and scriptures.

As per the official temple calendar for 2026, Netrotsav of Lord Jagannath will be observed on July 14, while the grand Rath Yatra is scheduled for July 16. The administration reiterated that these dates have been determined according to age-old rituals and scriptural traditions followed at the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

Officials further stated that conducting the festivals before the designated Tithis (auspicious timings) could create confusion among devotees and undermine the sanctity of one of the country’s most revered religious traditions.

The issue has now drawn attention beyond Odisha, as devotees and religious organisations closely watch the developments surrounding the proposed event in Uttar Pradesh.

“In view of the above, I request your good office to kindly take appropriate steps to prevent the Bhagaban Shree Jagannatha Ratha Yatra Seva Samiti, Hapur, from conducting Netrotsav and Rath Yatra on the aforementioned dates, and to ensure that these sacred rituals are observed strictly in accordance with the established religious traditions and scriptural prescriptions of Puri Jagannath Temple,” the SJTA Chief Administrator said.