The Jagannath Temple administration is auctioning the live telecast rights for the Rath Yatra and will open the bids on Monday, amid protests from some of the servitors who consider the decision too “commercial”. Mohapatra, chief of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, told The Telegraph the shrine authorities had tried to sell the live telecast rights in 2011 too “but could not be successful”. This year the Rath Yatra starts on July 4, with the Suna Vesha (decoration of the deities with gold ornaments) on July 12. With this clause we hope to avoid any controversy and ensure that everything goes smoothly,” a temple official said. It has earmarked a budget of Rs 6 crore for the organisation of the Rath Yatra.

Source: The Telegraph June 09, 2019 21:45 UTC