Bhubaneswar: Puri temple shut for devotees till May 15

BHUBANESWAR: The staggering rise of Covid-19 cases has forced authorities to close down Puri Jagannath Temple for devotees till May 15. The decision was taken on Saturday during a meeting chaired by Krishan Kumar, chief administrator of Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
“The grave challenge posed by Covid-19 was discussed in detail. All were of the view that necessary steps must be taken to ensure continuity of age-old traditions of niti-kranti (rituals) of Lord Jagannath,” Kumar said.
Expressing concern over the health of servitors, many of whom have tested positive, Kumar said ensuring they are in good health is of utmost importance.
“Further rituals related to the Rath Yatra will begin on Akshay Tritiya, which falls on May 15,” the chief administrator added.
Any spread of Covid-19 among the sevayat and their family members will be detrimental to observance of ensuring festivals. Keeping this in mind, the Jagannath Temple will remain closed for darshan by the public till May 15,” Kumar said. The daily rituals will continue to be performed with the help of sevayats and temple officials.
Regular testing of servitors and officials will be taken up to ensure that cases of Covid-19 among them are detected at an early stage and are provided effective treatment.