Puri: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state, Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibya Singha Deb will not perform the ‘Chera Pahanra’ ritual during Snana Yatra this year.
Puri King’s representative ‘Mudirasta’ will perform the ritual, Puri King’s office said.
Owing to the COVID pandemic, the district administration will impose prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC for the smooth conduct of the divine bathing rituals of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, which is scheduled to be performed on June 24.
The servitors, temple officials, and district officials who are scheduled to take part in the mega event will undergo the RT-PCR test. Those who are found negative will be allowed to participate in the grand rituals of the holy trinity.
The Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) had earlier decided to conduct multiple rounds of RT-PCR tests on servitors and officials before Ratha Yatra.
Puri Collector Samarth Verma said,”Special passes are being issued to the Palia servitors for Deva Snana Purnima. New passes will be issued for Rath Yatra again. Mudirasta will perform Chhera Panhara if Gajapati abstains from the ritual.”
“Covid (RTPCR) tests of 90% servitors & SJTA officials have come out the negative and second dose of vaccination is underway,” informed Verma.
