There is an element of uncertainty over holding of the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath here this year. It is because of the State Government’s directive for maintaining social distancing for 180 days to combat the coronavirus during which the Car Festival falls on June 23.
A decision on holding the festival is expected to be taken by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) managing committee and the Chhatisa Nijog shortly if the pandemic situation is not tackled in next 15 days.
The Rath Yatra process begins from Akshaya Trutiya, which, this year, is scheduled on April 26. But due to the restrictions imposed on entry of devotees into the temple, no celebrations are likely to be held at the shrine between Akshaya Trutiya and Chandan Purnima.
SJTA Administrator (Rituals) Jitendra Kumar Sahoo has reportedly said that a decision about holding celebrations is yet to be taken. Whatever decision is taken by the Government and the Temple managing committee has to be obeyed. Now, collection of woods for making chariots is underway.
Entry into the temple is totally prohibited since March 20 till March 31. Only the servitors are allowed inside the shrine for conducting rituals of the deities.