Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee proposed commencement of chariot construction for Rath Yatra

Puri: 4/5/20:The Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee today proposed commencement of chariot construction for Rath Yatra this year.

Addressing media soon after the Managing Committee meeting on Monday through video conference, Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb said the construction activity is not a religious one. But, the final decision rests on the government on the matter.

It is learned that the managing committee of the temple has decided to go ahead with the construction of the chariots from tomorrow.

As the pilgrim town Puri categorized as a green zone, construction activity has been allowed here and there is no such restriction due to ongoing lockdown.

The Ratha Khala on either side of the Bada Danda is not a public place. It is a space designated specifically for the construction of chariots before Rath Yatra.

The Gajapati said the ‘Rath Khala’ will be widened and strict adherence to social distancing norms will be done. He said the Managing Committee has sent the detailed proposal to the state government requesting permission to begin the construction of the chariots.

Worthwhile to mention that uncertainty is looming large over the holding of world-famous Rath Yatra due to the coronavirus pandemic. The government had earlier cancelled Rukuna Rath Yatra of Lord Lingaraj in Bhubaneswar following the lockdown.

The Akshay Tritiya and Chandan Jatra rituals of Lord Jagannath were also performed in low key recently this year due to the lockdown.

The President and Secretary of Daitapati Nijog had earlier written to the Chief Minister seeking his permission to carry out the construction of chariots so that the RathYatra can be organised smoothly n in accordance with the guidelines.