Bhubaneswar, July 12: The newly appointed chief administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, has issued a stern warning against servitors using mobile phones atop the chariots during Rath Yatra.

Upon taking charge, Padhee emphasized that no servitors will be allowed to climb atop the chariots without authorization, as specified in the SJTA guidelines. He stated that action will be taken against priests who use mobile phones or take photographs while on the chariots.

“Use of mobile phones by some servitors atop chariots and entry of unauthorized servitors are being observed. Strict action will be taken against such indiscipline conduct. No one could climb atop the chariot unless he is engaged in service,” Padhee said.

He called for cooperation from all servitors, urging them to uphold the dignity and culture of the temple. “We seek cooperation from all the servitors and hope they will cooperate with us. We should not invite condemnation from various quarters; rather, we should involve ourselves in the promotion of our culture,” he added.

Padhee also apologized to the Lord for the incident that occurred during the Adapa Pahandi of Lord Balabhadra. A committee has been formed to investigate the matter, and the temple management will ensure that such incidents do not recur.

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