By Our Correspondent
PURI/BHUBANESWAR: Backed by able management of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Dr Krishan Kumar, Boyanika is sending 5,000 face masks to Srimandir ahead of Ratha Jatra. The masks have been designed keeping in view of the colours of three chariots and it has been made of popular handloom ‘Bandha’.
As decided by Srimandir authorities ahead of the ensuing Ratha Jatra in Puri Odisha in scheduled on June 23, the servitors to be engaged during the event will wear handloom face masks to prevent possible spread of coronavirus.
The State Government has decided to conduct the Ratha Jatra of Lord Jagannath with participation of only servitors this year. For safety of servitors during COVID-19 pandemic, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) will provide them face masks, which will be supplied by Boyanika. The servitors of deities will carry out the rituals by wearing face masks during 9-day-long sojourn as part of precautions against spread of deadly virus.
Chariot construction in Puri of Odisha is in the final phase. In the wake of Coronavirus pandemic restrictions have been imposed. However, the construction work is going on smoothly following the Government of Odisha guidelines. The State Government is yet to announce its decision on Ratha Yatra officially. But the pace of chariot construction suggests Mahaprabhu’s Yatra almost certain this year.
