Hours after the Supreme Court allowed holding of Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra at Puri with strict adherence to coronavirus guidelines, security was tightened and the rituals began. To avoid the public attendance to adhere to the social distancing rules during Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra, all entry points to Puri in Odisha have been sealed. Stay here for LIVE news updates on Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra 2020:
The Rath Yatra involves three chariots -- Lord Jagannath's Nandighosh, Lord Balabhadra's Taladwaja, and Devi Subhadra's Darpadalan. Not more than 500 people, including servitors and security personnel, are allowed to pull one chariot.
PURI JAGANNATH RATH YATRA 2020 NEWS LIVE UPDATES:
10:23 am: People pulling the chariots should have negative Covid reports: SC
The Supreme Court had on Monday declared that all the people who would be pulling the chariots during Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra must have a mandatory negative test report for coronavirus. Following the SC directive, the Odisha government launched a massive coronavirus test drive in Puri.
10:21 am: Priests, sevayats taking idol of Lord Balabhadra to chariot
#WATCH Odisha: Priests and 'sevayats' taking the idol of Lord Balabhadra to chariot for the #RathYatra from Jagannath Temple in Puri. pic.twitter.com/ohoWKlTwmm
— ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2020
10:20 am: Idol of Lord Jagannath being brought to the chariot: Watch
#WATCH Idol of Lord Jagannath being brought to the chariot by priests and 'sevayats' for the Rath Yatra from Jagannath Temple in Puri#Odisha pic.twitter.com/b26LHX2jAi
— ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2020
10:19 am: Sanitisation conducted at Jagannath Temple in Puri earlier today
Odisha: Sanitisation conducted at Jagannath Temple in Puri earlier today. #RathYatra is being carried out today in Puri after Supreme Court granted permission to hold annual chariot festival amid #COVID19 pandemic. No more than 500 ppl allowed to pull chariots as per SC's order pic.twitter.com/DbKaCJEMdG
— ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2020
10:16 am: PM Modi greets people on Jagannath Yatra
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on the occasion of Lord Jagannath Yatra, hoping that it brings good health and prosperity. "My heartiest greetings on the auspicious occasion of Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra," the prime minister tweeted in Hindi. He wished that the occasion brings happiness, prosperity, good luck and health to the lives of the people. "Jai Jagannath," he said.
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— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 23, 2020
10:13 am: President Ram Nath Kovind extends greetings
President Ram Nath Kovind has extended greetings on the Rath Yatra. "Greetings to everyone on the auspicious occasion of Rath Yatra, especially to the devotees of Lord Jagannath in Odisha. May the Lord bless us with courage and determination in our fight against Covid-19 and bring us good health and joy," President Ram Nath Kovind said.
10:07 am: Truck replaces traditional chariot in Cooch Behar
In order to follow the norms of social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic and avoid any kind of gathering, the traditions, too, have been tweaked in Cooch Behar, West Bengal. In Cooch Behar district, a chariot for Lord Jagannath has been replaced with a truck.
10:07 am: Gujarat CM offers prayers to Lord Jagannath
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said, "Hearing continued at the high court till late last night but we could not get permission for Rath Yatra due to Covid-19. I thank the trustee and mahant of the temple for understanding the situation and arranging Rath Yatra inside the temple premises."
He also offered prayers to Lord Jagannath.
Feeling blessed after offering prayers to Lord Jagannath. Prayed for Gujarat's welfare.
— Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) June 22, 2020
! pic.twitter.com/1gLmlA3rMK
10:00 am: Bengal government for the first time declares holiday on Rath Yatra
The West Bengal government has declared a holiday on Rath Yatra, making it a first in the history of the state machinery.
9:58 am: Amit Shah extends greetings
Home Minister Amit Shah has greeted people on the occasion of Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra. In a tweet, Amit Shah said, "I extend my warm greetings to all, on the auspicious occasion of Rath Yatra. May Maha Prabhu Jagannath bless everyone with good heath, joy and prosperity. Jai Jagannath!"
I extend my warm greetings to all, on the auspicious occasion of Rath Yatra. May Maha Prabhu Jagannath bless everyone with good heath, joy and prosperity.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 23, 2020
Jai Jagannath!
The 'Mangala Aalati' ritual of the Holy Trinity was performed at 3 am followed by 'Mailama' and 'Tadapa Lagi' at the temple. While 'Abakasha' ritual of the deities was performed at 4.30 am and 'Gopal Ballava' and 'Sakala Dhoopa' (Morning Aarti) were held from 5:30 am to 6:45 am.
While 'Pahandi' of Lord Sudarshan and Lord Balabhadra was completed, Lord Jagannath's Pahandi was underway, till filing of this report.
After this, the sibling deities will board the chariots at the Singha Dwara facing the Gundicha Temple by 10-10:30 am.
Meanwhile, the security of temple city has been tightened and elaborate security arrangements have been put in place. "At least 50 platoons of security personnel will be mobilised for the smooth conduct of the car festival on Tuesday," Police DGP Abhay said.
CCTV cameras have been installed in every nook and corner of the Grand Road, en route to Jagannath temple to Gundicha temple.
The "curfew-like" shutdown was enforced across Puri district from 9 pm of Monday. The shutdown has been imposed till 2 pm on Wednesday, said the DGP, appealing to the people to abide by the Supreme Court's directives while celebrating the historic Rath Jatra amidst the Covid-19 crisis.
The fact that Lord Jagannath represents the indomitable spirit of crores of people not just in Odisha but in different parts of the world, and primarily embodies the essence of the Odia culture, devotees across the world were ecstatic about the Supreme Court allowing the conduct of Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra.
Although few devotees became emotional about getting a chance to attend the Car festival, they are more happy than sad with the decision of the Supreme Court.
"I am 45, in my life its first occasion, I will not be able to attend the Rath Yatra. However, I am happy to see Lord Jagannath on the chariot," one devotee said with tears rolling down his eyes.