A dispute among sevayats at Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, has once again disrupted the rituals of Lord Lingaraj, even on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. The longstanding conflict between the Badu and Suar Nijogs has intensified, halting all offerings since yesterday and sparking widespread resentment among devotees.

Sources said the dispute erupted over the ‘Kheera Aauta’ ritual, leading to disagreements about who should perform the niti. As a result, no rituals have been conducted since the Sandhya Dhupa yesterday.

Such clashes between the Badu and Suar Nijogs have occurred in the past, including last year during the Nabanka Bedha ritual, when similar disagreements delayed the ‘Kheera Aauta’. The Temple Trust Board Chairman and District Collector had intervened, issuing directives to ensure the rituals proceeded smoothly, including assigning specific duties to the Paraba Yatra Bisoyi, Ghanta, and Megha Dambara servitors.

However, Badu Nijog Secretary Kamalakanta Badu challenged the District Collector’s order in the High Court, which ruled that the Nabanka Bedha ritual remain in abeyance until further hearings. Consequently, the ritual has been suspended since yesterday evening. With the stoppage of rituals on Makar Sankranti, devotees have expressed significant dissatisfaction, highlighting the continuing tensions among temple sevayats.