The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to allow the Odisha government to conduct the famous Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra, scheduled to begin from 23 June, in a restricted manner due to Covid-19 pandemic, reports say. It said concerned authorities must ensure all public health and safety guidelines, and coordinate with the Centre.
According to reports, Rath Yatra would only be allowed only in Puri, with the entire city remaining under curfew for all days of the festival, and all records will have to be maintained by the state government. The apex court also instructed that each chariot is to be pulled by not more than 500 devotees, who must be Covid-19 negative.
The sacred yatra hadn’t stopped during the plague and cholera outbreak. The Odisha government will impose curfew in Puri, and only Covid-19 negative servitors will participate in the Yatra which will be telecast live on television for the benefit of devotees.
Petitioner Odisha Vikas Parishad told the top court that large gathering won’t be allowed, with taking care of religious belief of the people. The apex court amended its last week order which had stayed the famous annual R a t h Ya t r a and related activities at Jagannath temple in Puri due to coronavirus.
The petitioner had earlier stated that if the Rath Yatra is allowed, then Covid-19 infection will increase manifold.