Even with just two days to go for the Banajaga Yatra to begin, there is no end to the internal strife in the Daitapati Nijog (key servitors in the Yatra) causing a big headache for the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) here. After the announcement of the name of the Dalapati (leader) of the Banajaga Yatra team, a fresh conflict has arisen over who will hold other key positions in the team which include Upadalapati (deputy leader), Biswabasu and two Badagrahis and about who will do the Ghata Paribartak of the idols.
The conflict came out in the open after the SJTA received multiple applications for the positions other than that of the Dalapati. While three have applied for the position of Upadalapati, there are multiple aspirants for other positions too, revealed sources. The Daitapati Nijog has reportedly arrived at a solution over the Upadalapati at its own level on Wednesday, but the conflict can only be said to be over after the formula worked out by them is accepted by the SJTA.
The Nijog, however, failed to take a decision on who would conduct the Ghata Paribartan ritual of the lords. According to tradition, the Ghata Paribartan job is entrusted to the senior most members from the Daitapati community. But then no one is prepared to comply with the earlier practice. In the circumstances, the SJTA feels that taking a final decision on appointment to these posts without taking the Daitapati Nijog into confidence may lead to indiscipline during the Banajaga Yatra.