Following restrictions on pilgrims and tourists due to the coronavirus, the Jagannath Temple wore a deserted look on Monday.
A very few pilgrims entered the shrine, that too, after scanning at the Lions Gate by officials. After filling a declaration form, a few pilgrims could be able to enter the shrine wearing mask after screening at the Lions Gate and returned cutting shut their stay time.
Availability of Mahaprasad in Ananda Bazar (temple dining space) was severely affected due to restriction on sales. The rituals of deities were observed by servitors who wore mask also.
Due to spread of threat perception, the city came to a standstill with movement of few vehicles on the Badadanda. While most of the shops and other business establishments were shut, the hotels and guesthouses were vacant.
At the Pipili tollgate most of cars and tourist busses could not move forward towards Puri because of checking by officials.
Similarly, tourists could not enter Alarnath Temple in Brahmagiri and Konark Temple as both shrines were restricted for public. All the boats and vessels carrying tourists in Chilika stopped services.