Odisha : Ban on attending Bahuda Yatra in Puri

In view of the COVID-19 epidemic, there has been a ban on participating in the Bahuda Yatra being taken out in the pilgrimage city of Puri today. Prohibitory orders under section 144 will remain in force in Puri for the return journey of Lord Jagannath and his siblings. The order will come into effect from 8 pm onwards. On Mondays to ensure that no devotee is on Grand Road during Bahuda Yatra. Officials said the ban would remain in force till 8 pm on July 21.

All hotels, lodging, dharamshalas and guest houses on Grand Road have been closed under the order. During this period no vehicular movement will be allowed across the Grand Road other than authorized vehicles carrying essential services/medical services.

Officials said that no person will be allowed to watch the festival from the terraces or balconies of buildings, hotels, dharamshalas, lodges and guest houses located along the Grand Road.
All shops and commercial establishments will not be allowed to open during 48 hours. All entry points in the district have been sealed to restrict the movement of people from other districts to Puri district during this period.

Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Krishna Kumar held a review meeting on Monday and said that Bahuda Yatra will be conducted following all COVID-19 norms like Rath Yatra without the participation of devotees.

He said that necessary arrangements have been made for live telecast of rituals through Doordarshan government channel.

He said that all the services and officers are being tested and vaccinated for COVID-19. Kumar said that since daytime temperatures are likely to be high on Tuesday, more heatwave beds and ORS powder will be kept ready, while water sprinkling will be done by the fire service and PHEO officials.