Puri to hold Rath Yatra with no devotees, two days curfew imposed from sunday night for next two days, pulling of the holy chariots to begin from 3 PM today.
Rath Yatra is one of the major festivals celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. Meanwhile, keeping the horrific infection of Covid-19 in the mind , for the second time Rath Yatra will be performed without devotees and a two day curfew has also been imposed in the state.According to the sources, the curfew will begin from 8 PM on Sunday till 8 PM on Tuesday.
The administration imposed curbs across the 3 km long Grand Road from Shree Jagannath Temple to Sri Gunducha Temple where all activities excluding medical emergencies are prohibited. Pulling of the holy chariots will begin from 3 PM today and 65 platoons whereas one platoon comprises 30 personnel are deployed for smooth conduct of the lords annual festival amidst Covid-19. Meanwhile, security forces are also deployed on the rooftops of different buildings on both sides of the road. This time hotels and guest houses have been booked for the people to witness the festival from a distance.
Chief Administration of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Krishan Kumar extended an invitation to Jagadguru Sankaracharya of Puri Govardhan peeth, Swami Nischalananda Saraswati to visit the lords on chariots as per tradition before they are pulled." It also said that only Covid-19 negative persons will be allowed to participate in the festivals."
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