Jagannath Temple To Remain Out Of Bounds For Devotees Till June 15 

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Sunday took a decision to close Srimandir for public darshan till June 15. 

The decision to this effect was taken in a review meeting today chaired by SJTA chief administrator Krishan Kumar keeping in mind the upward trend of the second wave of Covid-19 infection in the State. 

Puri Collector Samarth Verma, the Additional SP, temple officials and other stakeholders were present in the meeting. 

"The challenges posed by Covid19 are still persisting. In the meantime, Niti-Kanti of Mahaprabhu is going on as per age-old traditions. Chandana Jatra has also started as per custom but without the participation of devotees," the SJTA said.

The temple administration said many precautions are being taken for the management of COVID-19 infection among Sevaks and officials.

"There was a unanimous view that necessary precautionary measures should continue to ensure continuity of age-old traditions of Niti-Kanti (rituals) of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha and keeping in mind the ongoing festival season," the SJTA said.

"Any spread of COVID-19 amongst Sevayat families during these times will be detrimental to the observance of daily Niti-Kanti and for ensuring observance of rituals of Chandan Jatra, Sanan Jatra and Ratha Jatra," it emphasized. 

"Keeping the same in mind, it was decided that Shree Jagannatha Temple will remain closed for Darshan of Lords by the public till 15/06/2021. All the daily rituals will continue with help of Sevayats and Temple officials. Rest all precautions and measures detailed earlier will continue," the temple administration said.

"It was decided to review the SOP from time to time, keeping in view the evolving situation," it added.