Ratha Jatra to be held amid restrictions in these Odisha districts

Bhubaneswar: In view of the COVID-19 situation, the managing committee of the Sri Sri Haribaladeba Mahaprabhu Temple in Baripada of Mayurbhanj district today decided to not to organize chariot pulling this year.

In a statement, the temple managing committee said Ratha Jatra without participation from devotees could hurt the sentiments of people. Meanwhile, possible congregation of large number of devotees during the fete could not be ruled out.

Keeping this in view it seems the pulling of Sri Sri Haribaladeba Mahaprabhu’s chariot is not possible during this pandemic situation, the statement added.

The managing committee further said the Sri Sri Haribaladeba Mahaprabhu’s Ratha Jatra, Bahuda Jatra and other related rituals will be performed by servitors on the premises of the temple.

The annual festival will be held at Shabara Shree Khetra in Koraput amid restrictions in view of the COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the Balasore district administration imposed restrictions on oragnising Ratha Jatra at 12 places in the district. As per the decision, Ratha Jatra will not be held at Baliapala Shree Jagannath Temple. Similarly, the festival will not be organized at ISKCON temple in Jaleswar.

The Kandhamal district administration puts restrictions on chariot pulling in Phulbani and Baliguda. In a similar manner, the Balangir district administration imposed restrictions on Ratha Jatra in Balangir and Titlagarh sub divisions.