For 2nd consecutive year, Rath Yatra in Puri to be held without devotees

June 11: The 2nd wave of coronavirus in the country has led to stringent regulations by the state governments for containing the further spread of coronavirus. Celebration of all major festivals are barred in the country. For the 2nd consecutive year, the famous Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri will be held next month without the attendance of devotees and under strict Covid-19 protocols.

As per the Odisha government, Rath Yatra will be held on 12 June. It was also informed that only Covid-19 negative and fully vaccinated servitors will be allowed to take part in the rituals. In 2020, the Rath Yatra was held sans devotees who were barred to take part in the festival owing to Covid-19 pandemic. Generally, the Rath Yatra is attended by lakhs of devotees.

Meanwhile, Odisha continues to record a significant number of Covid-19 cases on daily basis. At present, there are 69,333 active cases of coronavirus in Odisha.