The Auction of the Puri Rath Yatra’s Telecast Rights

Puri’s Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), responsible for decision-making in affairs related to the famed Jagannath Temple, has decided to auction live telecast rights for the upcoming Rath Yatra. While multiple channels would broadcast the Rath Yatra earlier, the telecast rights would be awarded to only one channel this time around. The bidder with the highest amount would be awarded the rights to broadcast the rituals.

Several terms and conditions were also laid down by the temple administration including:

• Reputed TV channels having at least five years experience of production, telecasting or features are encouraged to apply
• The bidder will have to seek separate permissions for positioning of cameras, DSNG van or any other appliances from the District Administration, or Police Administration and place machinery at their own cost
• Care should be taken so that any photo or video does not confuse or mislead the viewers, while taking photographs/shooting
• Authorised channel shall scroll the message given by the SJTA during the live telecast and provide the video pictures in DVD format to the temple administration, if necessary
• The telecast rights holder is bound to share the feed with national broadcaster DOORDARSHAN free of charges
• The telecast rights holder shall strictly follow the laws/rules/regulations of Government of India as well as Government of Odisha for the live telecast
• In case of a dispute, the decision of the SJTA’s Chief Administrator shall be final and binding