Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday emphasised on timely completion of rituals and compliance of Covid appropriate behaviour during the annual Rath Yatra in Puri.
Attending the final coordination meeting through video conferencing, Patnaik reviewed arrangements for the grand festival beginning on July 12. He reviewed the security measures and other institutional arrangements with DGP, Puri Collector, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chief Minister said that like last year, the world-famous Rath Yatra of the Lord Jagannath is going to be organised this year in the midst of an extraordinary situation. He sought the cooperation of the residents of Puri and servitors to ensure that devotees stay at home and watch the Lord's procession.
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Talking to mediapersons after the meeting, Law Minister Pratap Jena said, “Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik stressed on the smooth conduct of the upcoming Rath Yatra with the coordination of servitors and administrative officials who contributed to successful conduct of Rath Yatra last year.”
“The CM focused on timely completion of rituals related to Rath Yatra. Though the second wave of Covid has started to recede, the danger is yet to be over completely. Therefore, the CM also stressed on strict compliance of Covid-19 protocols," said School and Mass Education Minister Samir Dash who attended the meeting.
It is noted here that the Odisha government has banned Rath Yatra festival at all places in the State except Puri in the wake of the second wave of the Covid-19.