Complete shutdown in Puri ahead of Rath Yatra

The apex court has imposed some guidelines and restrictions in its final order. It has asked the government to ensure that the airport, railway stations, and bus stands are closed during Rath Yatra, and the curfew is imposed in Puri city during the time when the Rath Yatra chariots are taken in procession.

Bhubaneswar:The Odisha government has imposed a complete shutdown in Puri district from 9 p.m. on Monday till 2 p.m. on Wednesday to hold the Rath Yatra without devotees by adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines.

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Jena, in an order, said that no passenger train and private or public buses other than those carrying personnel on government duty/police and vehicles on emergency services will be allowed entry into the jurisdiction of Puri district during the period.

Director General of Police Abhay said at least 50 platoons of security personnel will be mobilised for the smooth conduct of the car festival on Tuesday.

Appealing to the people not to visit Bada Danda (Grand Road) on the occasion of the Rath Yatra, he said all entry points to Puri will be sealed to prevent congregation of people.

Modifying its 18th June's order which had stayed the holding of Rath Yatra in wake of COVID pandemic, the court today observed that "if it is possible to ensure that there is no public attendance, we see no reason why the Rath Yatra can not be conducted safely along its usual route from temple to temple".

Laying down the conditions for the Rath Yatra, the court has directed to close all the entry points of Puri i.e. airports, railway stations, bus stands etc. Not more than 500 people, who have to test negative for COVID, shall be allowed to pull the chariot and the interval between 2 chariots has to be of one hour. These 500 includes the officials and police personnel.

Court has said that only those persons shall be attending the rituals who are tested negative and they shall maintain social distancing.

"The bare minimum number of people shall be allowed by the committee to participate in the rituals and in the Rath Yatra. We take note of the fact that the state of Orissa has a good record of having controlled the pandemic with a very little loss of life," observed the bench led by CJI SA Bobde.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, in a meeting through video conferencing, reviewed the preparations for the festival.

He said the Odisha government and the temple administration are fully geared up for the festival.

Elaborate preparations have been made for the celebration of the Rath Yatra while strictly adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines.

The Chief Minister has directed Law Minister Pratap Jena, Health Minister Nabakishore Das, School and Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Das and deputy chairman of the planning board Sanjay Das Burma to camp at Puri till Niladri Bije and supervise the Rath Yatra.

He also expressed his gratitude to the Supreme Court for allowing the Rath Yatra and thanked the Central government for extending help.

The Puri district administration is making arrangements for the live telecast of the annual festival to enable the devotees to watch it from their homes.

Puri Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb expressed his gratitude to the Supreme Court for allowing the world famous Rath Yatra.

"Bhabagrahi Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha has answered the fervent prayers of countless devotees around the world. I am indebted to Hon'ble Supreme Court for re-considering it's earlier decision and permitting conduct of the world famous Ratha Jatra in Puri. I thank the Central and State Governments for their support in making possible this historical event," said Gajapati.

As per the ritual schedule, while Pahandi (procession) will be held from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., Chhera Panhara will begin at 11.30 a.m. and chariot pulling will commence at 12 p.m.