By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR/PURI: After the Naveen Patnaik led BJD Government had force to cancel the Rukuna Rath Yatra of the 11th century old Lord Lingaraj on Ashokashtami in Temple City following the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent lockdown which extended till May 3, uncertainty continued to haunt the State Government over the conduct of Chariots’ Festival of Lord Jagannath in pilgrimage city of Puri, 60 km away from State Capital.
As the services at 12th century old Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri has bee badly hit with public darshan has been banned, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has decided to provide financial assistance of Rs 5,000 each to servitors’ famiilies amid the ongoing lockdown. Srim The amount will be sent to bank accounts of the servitors through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme. The SJTA will spend around Rs 1, 06, 50,000 for financial assistance towards servitors.
SJTA Administrator (Rituals) Jitendra Sahu said as Srimandir has been shut for public due to lockdown imposed by the government, the servitors are reportedly facing financial trouble following which the decision has been taken.
Odisha Law Minister Pratap Jena. He has said that talks are going on in this matter and soon a decision will be taken.Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is scheduled to be held on June 23, 2020.
As per schedule the work of construction of the chariots should begin from 26 April while the famous Snana Jatra and the Car festival will be held in June.
Due to Corona fear restrictions are likely to be imposed in gathering of people. Also, whether construction of the chariots will start or not during the lock down period is also a big question.It may be mentioned here that the nationwide lock down has been extended up to May 3.
