Climbing chariots, touching deities as impostors is punishable offence: SJTA

Puri: The Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has today stated that no devotees are allowed to climb the chariots or touch the deities during Rath Yatra. Criminal action will be taken against any one doing so as impostors in servitors' attire will be legally punished, the Chief Temple Administrator today said.

Pradip Jena, who is supervising Rath Yatra proceedings first time as Chief Temple Administrator said it is strictly prohibited for devotees to touch the deities or even climb the chariots

"Snana Yatra rituals had discrepancies but we will ensure that no such issues come up during Rath Yatra. During the Pahandi of deities no devotees will be allowed to touch idols. The decision of 2014 of SJTA and High Court will be followed. Climbing the chariots falsely dressed as servitors will be treated as a criminal offence," said Jena today.

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