The world-famous Ratha Yatra of Lord Jagannath and his divine siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, is set to be celebrated today without public involvement for 2nd time. The government determined in the interest of public health because of the current covid-19 outbreak.
For the pulling of chariots the temple administration, district administration, and police have left no stone unturned to ensure the smooth conduct of the Annual festival. Some special guidelines are followed for the smooth functioning of the event with covid-19 guidelines.
The three Deities will travel to their birthplace on wooden chariots specially built for the event. Nandighosh of Lord Jagannath, Taladhwaja of Lord Balabhadra & Darpadalan of Devi Subhadra are eagerly waiting for the holy board of divine deities.
All the sevayats including members of Chhattisha Niyog, Daitapatis, and others have started rituals since early morning. Due to prohibitory orders imposed by the district administration to prevent public gatherings. The pilgrim town, which usually sees an ocean of devotees on the auspicious occasion, is completely deserted today.
The state government has banned public participation for the second consecutive year due to covid. All the people in the Grand Road are authorized and permitted by Administration for the occasion.
Any sort of medical or other emergency is barred from the curfew imposed since 8 pm Sunday. The curfew will continue till Tuesday up to 8 pm.
All the servitors involved are either fully vaccinated or have undergone RT-PCR tests repeatedly before the grand event. All the entry points to Grand Road have been sealed to prevent unauthorized people from entering. Only authorized officials who have been assigned duties are allowed for movement in the town.
The holy chariots have started their way to the divine birthplace which is 3 km away from the Main Temple.
