On the 22nd of June, Naveen Patnaik, the Chief Minister of Odisha, welcomed the judgement of the Supreme Court (SC) regarding the 2020 Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha.
On Monday, the 22nd of June, the Supremw Court, reviewed a petition seeking orders to conduct Rath Yatra at Jagganath temple in Puri.
The Apex Court, after reviewing the matter revised it’s previous judgement and asked the Odisha Chief Minister to decide regarding the same.
This year, due to the pandemic Coronavieuas, the SC put a hold on the massive event of Rath Yatra on the 23rd of June.
However, due to the urge of devotees and petition filed against the judgement, the Top Court gave the authority to decide to the State Government.
Naveen Patnaik thanked the Supreme Court for granting permission to conduct Rath Yatra and said that the State Government and Sree Jagannath Temple Administration is fully prepared to hold Yatra.
The Odisha CM said, “I thank the Supreme Court for granting permission to conduct Rath Yatra. I also thank the Central Government for their cooperation. Odisha Govt and Sree Jagannath Temple Administration is fully prepared to hold Rath Yatra.”
In regard to the Rath Yatra, Naveen Patnaik said, “Holding Rath Yatra during the times of COVID-19 is extremely challenging. Three ministers will be in Puri for smooth conduct of Rath Yatra. We have to be extremely careful during Rath Yatra till Niladri Bije (religious leaders carrying the idol of the Jagannath Temple deity on a procession around the temple). I hope all participants who are part of the yatra obey the COVID-19 guidelines.” He further said, “The world will be looking at us. We need to maintain discipline and social distancing and set an example for the world.”
Meanwhile, the State Government announced a complete shutdown in Puri district. The lockdown would be imposes from 9:00 P.M., on the 22nd of June till 2:00 P.M., on the 24th of June.
The Rath Yatra would be taken on the 23rd of June, following social distancing and other COVID-19 norms.
Stay tuned for further updates.
