To prevent the spread of Covid-19, servitors, police officers, and Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) officials who will be participating in the annual Rath Yatra festival will be subjected to RT-PCR tests beginning today.
The examination will take place at the Utkal Hindi Vidyapitha as part of the temple administration’s four-time testing process leading up to the Deva Snana Purnima on June 24. Earlier, in a meeting convened by SJTA chief Krishan Kumar, it was decided that frequent testing would assure the safety of everyone preparing for the July 12 Rath Yatra, which entails almost a month of preparations and ceremonies.
In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been determined that this year’s Deva Snana Purnima and Rath Yatra shall take place in Puri without devotees. The SJTA, the district government, and the police have begun full preparations for the world-famous Rath Yatra. Puri’s chariot construction is still in full swing, with 14 Nahakas under construction.
Meanwhile, a virtual meeting will be convened today under the chairmanship of the SJTA chief to finalize the ritual plan for Lord Jagannath’s Deva Snana Purnima on June 24 following Covid-19 regulations.
