The schedule for the holy Rath Yatra celebrations in Puri was released on Sunday by the SJTA. The Chhattisa Nijog held a special meeting on Sunday to finalise the rituals and timings for the Rath Yatra celebrations. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of chief administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
As per reports, the schedule for the conduct of all rituals, starting from Snana Purnima (June 24) to Niladri Bije (July 23) was approved in the meeting. According to the schedule, on Snana Purnima (June 24), Mangalaparna will be organised from 1 am onwards, followed by Pahandi till 4 am. While Hati Besha on Snana purnima will start from 11 am onwards, the Bahuda Pahandi will be observed between 5 pm and 8 pm.
On July 12, Gundicha Yatra will be celebrated with Pahandi rituals kicking off at 8:30 am. This will be followed by Chera Pahanra at 2 pm followed by chariot pulling from 3 pm onwards. Bahuda Yatra will be celebrated on July 20 with Pahandi rituals between 12 pm and 2:30 pm. Following this, chariot pulling is scheduled from 4 pm onwards the same day.
On July 21, Suna Besha rituals will be conducted between 4 pm and 5:30 pm. Adhar Pana rituals that will be observed on July 22 will be completed by 8 pm. On Niladri Bije (July 23), Pahandi rituals will begin from 4 pm onwards and will be completed by 10 pm.
The SJTA had earlier announced that Covid test (RTPCR) of all sevayats will be conducted ahead of Rath Yatra festival of the Holy Trinity. Rath Yatra will be observed in Puri without the participation of devotees this year in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.