Snana Jatra: Section 144 to be clamped in Puri to prevent public congregation

Puri: To ensure no public congregation in Puri during Snana Jatra, the district administration will impose prohibitory orders under Section-144 of CrPC from 10 pm on June 4 to 2 pm on June 6. Puri Collector Balwant Singh informed this here today.

The prohibition will remain in force from Market Chhak to Kakudikhai Chhak and in the surroundings of Srimandir, the Collector added. He said devotees can have darshan of the deities from their respective houses through television. Meanwhile,  Information and Public Relation (I & PR) Department Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh visited the holy town for an inspection, mainly at Bagedia Dharmasala and the front of Snana Bedi for the live telecast.

The Collector, SJTA Chief Krishan Kumar and other senior officials of I & PR Department were present during Singh’s visit. A meeting will be held to discuss on arrangements for smooth live telecast of the bathing festival of Lord Jagannath and His divine siblings. Total 700 have undergone the COVID-19 test and most of them have tested negative, informed the Collector.

Earlier on Saturday, Puri Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb said Snana Jatra and Ratha Jatra can be conducted as per rituals but without the presence of devotees in view of the prevailing COVID-19 situation

Meanwhile, Rukminiharan Ekadashi, the divine wedding of Goddess Rukmini and Lord Krishna was observed inside the centuries-old temple today. Tomorrow, Champak Dwadasi rituals will be be conducted inside the shrine.