COVID-19: No public darshan at Puri Jagannatha temple till June 15

The Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA) and the Puri district administration on Sunday suspended the 'public darshan' at the temple till June 15 in wake of the raging second COVID-19 wave.

Puri (Odisha): The Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA) and the Puri district administration on Sunday suspended the 'public darshan' at the temple till June 15 in wake of the raging second COVID-19 wave.

The decision was taken during a review meeting chaired by SJTA chief administrator Krishan Kumar and attended by Puri Collector Samarth Verma among others. Daily rituals at the temple will, however, continue with help of Sevayats and the temple administration officials.

"Any spread of COVID-19 amongst Sevayat families during these times will be detrimental to the observance of daily 'Niti-Kanti' and for ensuring the observance of 'Chandan Jatra', 'Sanan Jatra' and 'Ratha Jatra' rituals," a statement issued by the SJTA read.

The statement further said adequate precautions are being ensured to keep Sevaks and officials away from COVID-19.