Puri: The preparations are in full swing for the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balbhadra and Devi Subhadra, scheduled to be held on June 23.
The chariot construction work for the mega festival is underway at a frenetic pace the Ratha Khala here.
The ‘Chaka Dera works or the initiation of wheels of chariots has been completed. The Maharana’ and ‘Bhoi’ servitors will fix all the 42 wheels of the three chariots of Lord Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath and Devi Subhadra with their respective axles.
Starting from cutting the wood to painting it and putting different parts of Rath together, everything is done with complete rituals and customs.
Earlier, the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee announced 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 discussed various aspects related to Snana Purnima and the Ratha Yatra rituals at its meeting headed by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb.
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.
The 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.