Puri’s Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), responsible for the upkeep and decision-making in affairs related to the famed Jagannath Temple, has decided to auction live telecast rights for the upcoming Rath Yatra. The body has invited expression of interest from renowned TV channels for the telecast rights which includes various rituals and customs like Snana Jatra, Ratha Jatra, Bahuda Jatra, Suna Besha, Adharapana and Niladri Bije.
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 for broadcast. The deadline for submission of application has been set at 4:30pm on June 10. The applications will be opened on the same day at 4.45pm, in the presence of the applicant or their representative.
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 approved 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
- While taking photographs/shooting, care should be taken so that any photo or video does not confuse or mislead the viewersAuthorised 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