Puri (Odisha): The 'Bahara Chandana Jatra' of Lord Jagannath in Puri will be organised outside Srimandir this year with strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Krishan Kumar on Friday.
The annual Chandan Jatra will be held on Akshaya Tritiya (May 15) and will be celebrated outside the temple amidst the COVID pandemic this year, the SJTA informed, adding that efforts are on to procure masks and sanitisers for use during Chandan Jatra, Snana Jatra and Ratha Jatra of Lord Jagannath.
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Meanwhile, in view of rising COVID cases in the second wave of the pandemic, the Jagannath Temple remains closed for devotees till May 15.
Last year, the Chandan Jatra was held inside the temple premises without devotees due to the nationwide lockdown which was imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19.
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The 42-day-long Chandan Jatra starts on Akshaya Tritiya. The festival is held in two phases: Bahara Chandan and Bhitara Chandan. While the Bahara Chandan begins from Akshaya Tritiya for a period of 21 days outside the temple, the Bhitara Chandan continues for another 21 days inside the temple.
