Puri: With preparations for the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra in full swing, the Odisha Government has expressed confidence in the smooth conduct of this year’s festival.
After the Rath Yatra second coordination meeting held today to review arrangements for the upcoming Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra rituals, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan stated that nearly 80% of the work has already been completed. “The remaining preparations will be finalised well before Ratha Jatra,” he assured.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) is overseeing all preparations for the Snana Yatra, scheduled for June 11 (Wednesday). SJTA Chief Administrator Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee said the rituals are proceeding in close coordination with the servitors, in adherence to the guidelines set for Deva Snana Purnima.
“The Daita servitors are entering the temple today, and the Senapatalagi ritual will be conducted tomorrow,” Padhee informed. He added that all arrangements at the Snana Mandap have been upgraded to facilitate smooth darshan for devotees. Special provisions have also been made for devotees viewing the rituals from the Bada Danda (Grand Road).
Padhee called upon all servitors to continue their cooperation for the seamless conduct of both Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling urged people showing Covid-19 symptoms to avoid visiting Puri during the festival. “We will deploy 300 doctors to provide healthcare services during the Ratha Yatra. Anyone with Covid-like symptoms should refrain from attending in person,” he said.
