On the 18th of June, the Supreme Court (SC) ordered to halt the historic Rath Yatra and related activities at Puri in Odisha.
The SC said, “In the interest of public health and safety of citizens, this year’s Rath Yatra at Puri in Orissa can’t be allowed.”
On the 23rd of June, Odisha’s Puri is scheduled to celebrate Rath Puja and Rath Yatra at Lord Jagannath’s temple in Puri.
The decision was taken in the interest of public health and safety.
The Apex Court said, “Lord Jagannath won’t forgive us if we allow this year’s Rath Yatra, such (a) huge gathering can’t take place during (the) pandemic crisis. “
The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is one of the biggest chariot festivals in India.
Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra are pulled on the Grand Road from the Jagannath temple to Gundicha temple over a distance of 2.5 kms to celebrate the festival.
However, to celebrate the day with enthusiasm ,the Top Court allowed the celebration, maintaining social distancing and other COVID-19 guidelines.
The Odisha government had been directed to deploy heavy-duty machinery or elephants to pull the chariots.
Stay tuned for further updates.
