A controversy has emerged over an alleged error in the official calendar released by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) for the New Year, after it was discovered that the images of Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra were incorrectly placed.
The issue came to light on Wednesday when devotees and temple servitors noticed that the image of Lord Balabhadra had been placed in the position traditionally reserved for Lord Jagannath, while Lord Jagannath appeared in the position meant for Lord Balabhadra. The discrepancy was observed in both table and wall calendars, as well as in diary editions printed by the temple administration.
Additionally, a Rath Yatra photograph included in the calendar reportedly shows the chariot of Devi Subhadra positioned ahead of those of Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra, further raising concerns among devotees. The calendars, produced at a significant cost, were prepared for public distribution and sale.
Reacting to the issue, senior servitor Ganesh Mahasuar expressed strong concern, stating that the error had hurt the religious sentiments of devotees. He urged the authorities to immediately halt the distribution of the calendars and ensure reprinting with accurate representations of the deities. He also termed the lapse as avoidable and called for greater scrutiny in such sensitive matters.
It was also alleged that the traditional scholars and servitors associated with the temple were not consulted during the preparation of the calendar. This, according to critics, led to the oversight.
Responding to the controversy, SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee clarified that the image used in the calendar was based on a 300–400-year-old palm-leaf painting preserved at the State Museum. He stated that the calendar design was prepared based on that artwork and that the depiction was not intentional. He added that the matter is being reviewed and that necessary corrective steps would be taken.
Padhee further noted that while the calendar had been inaugurated earlier, further distribution could be reviewed in light of the concerns raised.
