Bhubaneswar: The ongoing controversy over the dates for Saraswati Puja or Basant Panchami has been resolved. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri has officially fixed February 2 for Saraswati Puja.
A dispute had arisen among devotees regarding whether Saraswati Puja would be held on February 2 or February 3.
This year, different calendars had mentioned varying dates for Saraswati Puja, leading to confusion among the people. Nevertheless, the Srimandir administration has announced that Saraswati Puja will be celebrated on Sunday, February 2, on Sri Panchami Tithi.
A notification has been issued by the Srimandir administrator (ritual) in this regard. According to tradition, the Rath Katha Anukula ritual will be performed on the same day. Basanta Panchami or Saraswati Puja will be celebrated in the Srimandir on February 2, followed by the Ratha Katha Anukula ritual.
“This decision was made in a meeting with the astrologers who prepare the almanac,” said Jitendra Sahoo, Administrator (ritual), Shree Jagannath Temple Administration.
