Merely a Publicity-Oriented Move: BJD
- Government has failed to conduct a flawless RathYatra for the last three years
- It is unacceptable to seek UNESCO recognition without ensuring the successful and error-free conduct of the RathYatra
- Spending nearly ₹2.5 crore to include Pakhala in the Guinness Book of Records was aimed solely at gaining cheap publicity
Bhubaneswar, 03/08/2026:As Chief Minister Mohan CharanMajhi today wrote to the Central Government seeking its support for the inclusion of Lord Jagannath’s world-famous RathYatra in the UNESCO Heritage List, the BijuJanata Dal (BJD) has strongly criticized the move. The party stated that since the BJP Government came to power in the State, it has failed to conduct all three RathYatras in a flawless manner. Therefore, the Chief Minister’s letter seeking UNESCO Heritage status is nothing more than a publicity-oriented exercise, BJD said.
In a press statement issued by the BijuJanata Dal, party spokesperson and Media Coordinator Dr. Lenin Mohanty stated that the State Government has failed to organize the sacred RathYatra in a flawless manner. For the last three years, the festival has witnessed one disruption after another. At times, devotees have lost their lives in stampedes, while on other occasions there have been serious lapses in rituals and traditions. Furthermore, the unprecedented incident of Lord Balabhadra’s idol slipping during the Pahandi procession to the AdapaMandap took place, following which the Government ordered an inquiry. However, the inquiry report has not yet been made public. Every year before the RathYatra, the State Government promises a flawless festival, but every year unfortunate incidents continue to occur. Having failed to conduct the RathYatra without lapses, writing a letter seeking its inclusion in the UNESCO Heritage List is merely a publicity-oriented exercise. This move is intended to divert public attention from the repeated mishaps that have occurred during the RathYatra. Before seeking UNESCO Heritage recognition, the Government must first ensure the flawless conduct of the RathYatra.
Dr. Lenin Mohanty further stated that the State Government’s initiative to include Pakhala in the Guinness Book of Records during the observance of Pakhala Divas was also a farce. The expenditure of nearly ₹2.5 crore from the State exchequer for this purpose had raised serious questions among the public regarding its justification. According to him, the Government’s initiative was intended solely to gain cheap publicity.
Dr. Mohanty further said that Lord Jagannath is the Lord of the Universe, and His RathYatra is globally renowned. Even without being included in the UNESCO Heritage List, devotees from across the world travel to witness the grandeur of the RathYatra. Therefore, ensuring the safety of these devotees through the flawless conduct of the RathYatra is of paramount importance.
