Puri: While the Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha's Puri, which was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will reopen for devotees from December 23, the district administration has prepared a ward-wise schedule for the people of Puri for the darshan of the deities.
People of the following wards here will be allowed to have darshan of the deities as per the dates and shifts mentioned:
The sanitary workers will carry out a door-to-door visit in the wards and prepare a list of devotees. Subsequently, tokens will be given to them. All devotees need to produce Covid-19 negative reports of tests done in the last 48 hours. No offerings of flower, tulsi and other such items will be allowed inside the temple.
The devotees would enter through Singhadwara and exit through any of the other three gates. Barricades will be raised along the Badadanda from Marichikot Chhak in nine rows. Devotees have been asked to maintain social distancing and wear face mask. They would have to sanitise their hands at the temple gate before entering.
As per the decision of the administration, only residents of Puri will be allowed inside the temple till December 31. From December 31 night to January 2, the temple will remain closed in view of the heavy rush of devotees on the occasion of new year. Devotees irrespective of area/district of residence will be allowed to enter the temple from January 3.