The Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA) on Wednesday decided not to allow devotees into the shrine till July 25 in view of the continuing Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier, the administration had decided to stop ‘public darshan’ at the temple till June 15.
SJTA Chief Administrator Krishan Kumar told mediapersons after a meeting of the administration that a unanimous decision has been taken to stop visit to the shrine till July 25. If there is an improvement in the Covid situation, the SJTA would again hold a meeting on July 24 or 25 to decide on ‘public darshan’ of the deities. As the Snan Yatra is to be followed by the Rath Yatra on July 12 and the Niladri Bije on July 23, the SJTA’s priority is to ensure smooth conduct of these festivals and rituals of deities while adhering to Covid protocol, Kumar added. This year too, the Rath Yatra will be held with participation of servitors and police personnel only.