Bhubaneswar: In an unfortunate incident, the traditional ‘Chapa Khela’ (boat ride) of Lord Jagannath and his companion deities was cancelled on the ninth day of the ongoing Chandan Yatra due to a bitter dispute between two groups of servitors.
The deities — Madanmohan, Ramakrishna, and the Pancha Pandavas — were brought to Narendra Pushkarini. They remained seated inside the decorated boats for a prolonged period without the ‘Chapa Khela’ ritual taking place. The conflict reportedly erupted between the Singhari Nijog and Sudu Suar Nijog.
According to sources, the Sudu Suar servitors allegedly prevented others from entering the boat, leading to the complete halt of the night Chapa ceremony. Despite efforts by the district administration to mediate and resolve the standoff, no agreement could be reached between the feuding groups of servitors. As a result, the much-awaited Chapa Khela could not be performed.
Devotees, who had gathered in large numbers to witness the divine boat ride of the Lord Jagannath, expressed deep disappointment and strong resentment over the disruption of this sacred ritual.
It is pertinent to mention that Chandan Yatra is one of the most important festivals of Lord Jagannath, and the Chapa Khela holds special significance as it symbolizes the deities enjoying a leisurely boat ride in the Narendra Tank to get relief from sweltering heatwave and humid conditions.
Meanwhile, such incident has drawn criticism from devotees across the state.
