This year too , on Thursday Odisha government announced that on July 12 , a month ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, Puri Rath Yatra will held without devotees .This will only be held in Puri amid strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols.
Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) P K Jena said that according to the Supreme Court guidelines ,this year also Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra will be held sans devotees in Puri. Event the administration has prohibited similar celebrations in other parts of the state and will have to be followed in letter and spirit while observing the rituals on the occasion.
Jena further explained that Only selected COVID-negative and fully vaccinated servitors will be allowed to take part in ‘Snan Purnima’ – bathing ritual – and other programmes. All restrictions imposed during last year’s event will remain in force.
There will be only 500 servitors allowed to pull the chariots during the period & the devotees will be able to witness the programmes live on television and webcasts. Even the nine day long car festival will be held as per schedule.
