By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR/PURI: SJTA Chief Krishan Kumar said over 1100 servitors had undergone coronavirus test to participate in the return journey of the trinity. The servitors who will participate in Bahuda Yatra on Wednesday have tested negative for COVID-19.All the samples were tested negative for the deadly virus, the officials added.
Earlier on June 23, the day of Rath Yatra one servitor had tested positive for the deadly virus for which he was excluded from being a part of the festival.The trinity will return to their permanent abode, Srimandir after the 9-day sojourn.The schedule released by the SJTA said the ‘Mangala Arati’ rituals will be held at 4 am and pulling of chariots will start at around 12 noon following all the rituals.
The schedule is as follows:Mangala Arati- 4 am, Mailam- 4.15 am, Tadapa Lagi-4.30 am,Rosohome- 4.30 am, Abakasha- 5 am, Surya Puja- 5.15 am, Dwarapala Puja- 5.30 am, Besa Sesa- 5.30 am, Gopala Ballabh, Sakala Dhupa- 5.45 am to 6.45 am, Senapata Lagi- 7 am to 7.30 am, Mangalarpana- 7.45 am, Bahuda Pahandi- 8 am to 10 am, Besa Sesa- 9 am to 10.30 am, Chera Panhara- 10.30 am to 11.30 am, Charamal Phitiba, Ghida lagiba- 11.30 am to 12 pm, Pulling of chariots – 12 PM onwards
The Odisha Government has imposed restrictions on the movement of all buses and passenger trains to Puri district from 09.00 PM of June 30 to 11.30 PM of July 2.According to a notification from the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner, the restrictions on the movement of the public has been taken in view of smooth conduct of the Return Car Festival (Bahuda Yatra) and Sunabesha of Lord Shree Jagannath to be held in Puri on June 1 and 2 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In exercise of the powers conferred under section 24 (a) and (b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the State Executive Committee (SEC) do hereby order that no passenger train and private or public buses other than those carrying personnel on Government duty, police and vehicles on emergency services shall be allowed entry into the jurisdiction of Puri district during the period from 09.00 PM of 30.06.2020 to 11.30 PM of O2.O7.2O2O.,” the SRC Office stated.
