Even as the Odisha government has announced partial unlock measures in the State after decline in cases of Covid, the Puri Jagannath Temple will remain out of bounds for the public till July 25.
Chief Administrator at the temple, Krishan Kumar today informed the mediapersons in this regard and said that the entry of devotees into the 12th century shrine will continue to be restricted till the said date.
Any further decision on the reopening of the temple will be taken after the Rath Yatra which is scheduled to begin from July 12 based on the relaxations permitted by Odisha government, said Kumar.
The nine-day long annual sojourn of Lord Jagannath and His sibling deities to Mausi Maa Temple will be followed by the Suna Besha and Niladri Bije on July 23, the homecoming of the deities to the shrine.
This year, the State government has already announced to conduct the grand festival without participation of the public just like last year in the wake of the pandemic resurgence.
Experts believe that for the reopening of the temple which attracts thousands of people from all around, a lot depends on the extent of vaccination of the public, anticipation of a third wave of the virus infections.
In another big declaration, the temple administration today also informed that the upcoming Deba Snana Purnima, the day which marks the grand bathing rituals of the Lords will be held on June 24 sans devotees.