Supreme Court Stays Annual Rath Yatra at Puri’s Jagannath Temple

The world-famous at Puri’s Jagannath Temple in Odisha is scheduled on June 23. The construction of chariots to have neared completion. But State Government is in a dilemma as it waits for the SC hearing before taking a call. They are waiting with bated breath the outcome of hearing by Supreme Court on petitions over Rath Yatra at Puri.

The verdict is out and the honourable Supreme Court on Thursday has stayed the annual Rath Yatra. It has also restricted the associated activities at the Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri. This is in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

“In the interest of public health and safety of citizens, this year’s Rath Yatra at Puri in Orissa can’t be allowed. Such gatherings cannot take place amid the coronavirus outbreak. Lord Jagannath won’t forgive us if we allow this year’s Rath Yatra, such huge gathering can’t take place during pandemic.”” the Supreme Court said.

Such gatherings cannot take place amid the coronavirus outbreak, it said, adding “Lord Jagannath won’t forgive us if we allow this year’s Rath Yatra, such huge gathering can’t take place during pandemic.”

Jagannath yatra is celebrated by pulling the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra on the Grand Road from the Jagannath temple to Gundicha temple over a distance of 2.5 kms. Every year, lakhs of devotees throng to the coastal town of Puri to catch the glimpse of deities. It is one of the largest-ever religious congregation in Odisha.

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