Covid-19 Effect: Puri Rath Yatra Likely To Be Organised Without Devotees

Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee has decided that no devotees will be allowed to enter the Temple during the Snana Purnima rituals this year. The decision was taken today at a review meeting of the Managing Committee headed by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb.

The Committee today discussed various aspects related to Snana Purnima and the Ratha Yatra rituals. It was decided that all the rituals of Snana Purnima will be performed as per tradition but no devotees will be allowed to enter the temple. Badadanda will be out of bounds for devotees. The number of people to be present during the occasion will be kept minimum.

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Gajapati Maharaja said these restrictions will be imposed till Niladri Bije of the three Deities. The decision has been taken keeping in view the pandemic situation.

The Chattisha Nijoga suggestions and decisions will be taken into considered during Snana Purnima festival which are going to be held inside the temple premises. A decision to stop the performance of Sahanamela has also been taken in the meeting as entry into the temple and Darshan of the deities is banned for public.

The Committee also decided that the arrangements for live telecast of the Snana Purnima and Ratha Yatra will be handled by the Information and Public Relations Department. All arrangements are being made to abide by the social distancing norms and avoide spread of the Corona virus.

Regarding Ratha Yatra, the Managing Committee has opined that all rituals will be held as per traditions and it can be conducted without devotees. The Government of Odisha will be appraised about this and if a decision is taken we can perform it without devotees and public. The Government has to take a decision in this regard, said Gajapati Maharaja. Only afew officials, police force and servitors will be present during the Yatra.

The meeting was held through video conferencing under the Chairmanship of Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb and was attended by temple Chief Administrator Dr Krishan Kumar, Working Chairperson SJTA Suresh Mahapatra, Collector Balwant Singh, Superintendent of Police Umashankar Mishra and all other committee members.