Preparations have started in Odisha to conduct Puri’s famous Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra amid the pandemic. The government has decided to observe the festival this year, adhering to strict rules and guidelines. The chariot festival will be held on June 23, 2020. Ahead of the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra 2020, authorities have begun their preparations that includes designing special masks for the servitors to prevent the possible spread of the coronavirus. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) will provide them specially designed face masks made out of ‘bandha’ handloom, the famous fabric in Odisha. The masks have been designed keeping in view of the colours used in the three chariots during the Rath Jatra 2020. Puri Rath Yatra 2020 Likely to be Held Without Devotees Amid Coronavirus Pandemic. 

Servitors are the sevayats of Lord Jagannath temple in Puri. The Odisha state government has decided to conduct the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra 2020 with the participation of only servitors this year. The Backed by the management of SJTA, Chief Administrator Dr Krishan Kumar, will reportedly send about 5,000 face masks to Srimandir, ahead of the Rath Jatra. All servitors are alerted to wear masks during the entire duration of the Rath Yatra 2020 festival in Puri. The face masks will be supplied by Boyanika, popular clothing brand in Odisha.

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As per the latest reports, the chariot constructions are in the final phase. Various restrictions have been imposed. The Odisha High Court has meanwhile, directed the state government that in case it decides to hold the Rath Yatra this year following guidelines, then it must also consider deploying machinery or other means like elephants to pull the chariots during the festival.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 14, 2020 01:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).