Puri, July 7: In a move to uphold the sanctity of one of India’s grandest spiritual events, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has lodged a formal complaint at the Singhadwara Police Station here against a group of servitors who were seen using mobile phones atop the sacred chariots during this year’s Rath Yatra.

The SJTA acted after receiving videos circulating on social media and news outlets, clearly showing servitors capturing content or engaging with mobile devices during the chariot pulling. Such use has been flagged as a serious violation of temple discipline and chariot safety regulations.

The Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple, Arabinda Padhee said that using mobile phones while participating in divine rituals compromises the spiritual focus and undermines centuries of religious tradition. “The chariot is not a platform for selfies or social media,” the official commented. “We will pursue criminal proceedings under relevant laws if necessary.”

The Rath Yatra is deeply rooted in ceremonial rigor, and each participant—especially the sevayats (servitors)—is expected to follow strict norms of conduct. Unauthorized use of devices atop the chariots is not only a breach of decorum but also introduces potential safety risks during the procession, which draws lakhs of devotees.

The complaint document includes a request for robust action against the violators, ensuring that future events maintain the highest standards of discipline and spiritual integrity. It sends a clear message that the sacred atmosphere of the Rath Yatra must be preserved without compromise.

The temple administration urged servitors and attendees to honour the tradition by staying present in prayer and practice, free from digital distractions.

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