Bhubaneswar, 15 October (H.S.) : With Diwali and Kali Puja just around the corner, confusion has arisen among devotees over the exact dates for performing traditional rituals such as ‘Payashraddha’ and ‘Deepadaan’. To resolve the uncertainty, the Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha of the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, has issued an official clarification.

According to the five temple-approved religious almanacs, ‘Shyama Puja’, along with ‘Payashraddha’ and ‘Deepadaan’, will be observed on October 20. However, several other regional calendars have listed October 21 as the day for these rituals, coinciding with a government holiday, leading to widespread confusion among devotees.

In a press note released on Wednesday, the Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha urged devotees to follow the Jagannath Temple-approved calendar, stating that rituals performed in alignment with the temple’s guidance hold greater sanctity. The Sabha emphasized that ‘Payashraddha’ and ‘Deepadaan’ should be observed after 3:23 PM on October 20, in accordance with the lunar timing.

“Since Diwali, Kali Puja, Laxmi Puja, and Payashraddha are traditionally performed at night, devotees can begin the rituals after 3:23 PM on October 20. Those who follow the Sanatan tradition must perform the rites on this date. The government should also consider declaring a holiday on the same day,” said Aditya Hrudaya Mishra, Executive President of the Mukti Mandap Sabha.

Religious scholars have appealed to devotees to remain calm and adhere to the temple’s official calendar to ensure uniformity and uphold the sanctity of the sacred observances.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda