Rathyatra celebrations in these two distant states are another example of how the states of India, despite diverse linguistic and cultural norms, are bound together by strings of Hindu tradition and spirituality.
The Jagannath Mandir Trust invited the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this year's Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad. Narendra Modi sent the Prasad as per his tradition.
Just a bow and arrow on Ram Navami, a peacock feather on Janmashtami, empty chariots on Rath Yatra: Rahul Gandhi avoids sharing the images of Hindu Gods while wishing on Hindu festivals.
In August 2019, the Odisha government had announced that all structures around a 75-metre radius of the Jagannath Temple's Meghanada wall will be removed to ensure the safety and integrity of the 12th century shrine. After initial PILs were filed against it, the Amicus curie appointed by the SC had held that the Odisha govt's action is legal and justified.
The centuries-old practice began to witness a decline with the abolition of kingship and the Odisha government taking over the administration of the shrine from the Puri royal family in 1955 through an Act, thus making Parasmani the last surviving servitor.