For the first time in the history, the chariots of Lord Jagannath and His siblings will roll on the Badadanda (Grand Road) here during Rath Yatra probably in the absence devotees if the COVID-19 situation does not improve in near future.
Jagannath Temple’s senior servitor Binayak Das Mohapatra said this while informing that the annual Chandan Yatra of Lord Jagannath on April 26 would be held at the Narendra Puskarani (pond) without participation of devotees in view of the coronavirus outbreak.
The 21-day water sports festival of the Trinity, which begins on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, would be conducted with all the rituals as per the tradition. This apart, the process of construction of the chariots of the deities would begin with ‘Rath Anukula’ on Akshaya Tritiya, Mohapatra said.
“If the COVID-19 situation continues to remain the same till the time of Rath Yatra, the festival will also be held without participation of devotees. But there is no question of cancellation of the two festivals. The state Government will take the right decision at the right time,” he said.
Slicing of wood logs used in construction of the chariots began on Ram Navami. Construction of the chariots would begin on Akshaya Tritiya as per the tradition, but social distancing would be ensured during the work as per the Government’s COVID-19 lockdown guidelines, said another senior servitor, Rajat Kumar Pratihari.
“Nevertheless, if any miracle happens by the grace of the ‘Lord of the Universe’ and the virus is defeated, Rath Yatra will be held in the presence of His devotees as always,” he added.