Finance
The Odisha Government is certain that the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, would go off without a hitch this year.
After today’s Rath Yatra second coordination meeting to discuss plans for the next Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra ceremonies, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan revealed that nearly 80% of the work had been accomplished. “The remaining preparations will be finalised well before Ratha Jatra,” he informed me.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) is in charge of all preparations for the Snana Yatra, which is set to take place on Wednesday, June 11. Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, SJTA Chief Administrator, stated that the rituals are being carried out in close conjunction with the servitors and in accordance with the Deva Snana Purnima Guidelines.
“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.
