Rath Yatra: Camera crew to stay off chariot cordon

Puri: For this Rath Yatra, restrictions might be imposed on camera persons and crew who will not be allowed to get inside the cordon around the three chariots.  This was decided at the Sri Mandir Temple Managing Committee meeting under the chairmanship of Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingh Deb here on Tuesday.

The meeting was convened to finalise the ritual timings of the festival.

Besides approving all rituals to be conducted from Nab Jouban Besha of the Trinity to Rath Yatra and from Bahuda to Niadri Bije the meeting also decided that the Chaka Bije Niti will be performed on June 19.  However, not allowing camera persons and crew within the chariot cordon has been one of the important decisions.

At the meeting, the servitors were asked to maintain discipline during the day, beginning with Nab Jouban Darshan since it affects the Rath Pahandi. Temple sources said the Mangala Arati will be held at 8 am on the day, Rath Pratistha at 9.30 am, Pahandi at 10am, Chhera Pahanra by Gajapati in between 2 pm and 3 pm. The chariot pulling will begin at 3.30 pm.

Besides, it was decided that financial assistance would be extended to poor servitors. An amount of Rs 2 crore has already been sanctioned for this. Moreover, a special committee would be formed for safety and preservation of Mutts in the pilgrim town.