An important decision on allowing participation of devotees in the world famous Ratha Yatra is likely to be taken during the first Coordination Committee meeting to be held in Puri on May 5.
The decision has been taken in a meeting today under the chairmanship of Puri Collector Samarth Verma.
“We have made elaborate arrangements for Lord Jagannath’s ongoing Chandan Yatra. The first meeting of the Coordination Committee for Ratha Yatra will be held on May 5. Most likely a decision regarding the participation of devotees in the annual sojourn of Lord Jagannath will be taken in the meeting,” said Verma.
As per reports, keeping in view of the opening of chariot construction on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on May 3, the administration has eased out the ‘Darshan’ arrangement for the devotees by allowing the opening of West door (Paschima Dwara) of Srimandir. It became possible due to the removal of barricades from the Grand Road (Bada Danda).
Notably, Ratha Yatra in Puri was observed sans devotees for the last two years due to the surge in Covid-19.
(Edited by Pradeep Singh)