Rath Yatra is a festival associated with Lord Jagannath held at puri yearly in the state of Odisha. This is the second devotee less Rath yatra due to covid 19 pandemic. Supreme court ordered not to allow devotee. The celebrations for Lord Jagannath's annual Ratha Yatra began in Puri with the 'Naba Jauban Darshana' The Trinity - Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra - during the 'Naba Jouban Darshan' reappeared after spending 14 days in the 'Aasara Ghara'
Temple administrators has clearly mentioned that covid 19 safety protocols will be maintained. Ajaya Jena, administrator of Jagannath temple said that, only those who test negative for covid 19 are allowed and welcomed to participate in pulling of the chariot. Chariot pullers also have to get tested and should have negative report and to be vaccinated with complete dose. People who meet these criteria are supposed to be part of yatra.
Barricades were raised from Municipal Market Chowk to Lions Gate with sun shed canopies over the barricades. Mobile stands as well as drinking water were put in place. As per the Administrator, 3,000 servitors and 1,000 temple officials will be allowed to perform all rituals and RT-PCR tests which are on going. People are asked to not to touch anything inside the temple premise.
The Odisha government has sealed all entry points to Puri and restrains have been imposed to keep devotees at bay in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.