Jharkhand government’s ban on Jagannath Mela draws flak

RANCHI: The district administration’s decision to ban the annual Jagannath mela has received criticism from many quarters. The administration in a circular issued late on Thursday night allowed Rath Yatra processions in the city this year, but banned the annual Jagannath Mela.
Ranchi deputy commissioner Chhavi Ranjan on Thursday afternoon held a meeting with senior officers of the district to review the preparations of the Rath Yatra, which is due on July 1. A statement, which was issued after the meeting by the district administration, read: "In consonance with the guidelines of the state disaster management authority, which prohibits any fair due to Covid-19, the Jagannath Mela fair will remain suspended. However, Rath Yatra can be carried with a limited number of people."
Jagannath Temple trust member Sudhanshu Nath Shahdeo said the decision to ban the fair would hurt the economic prospects of hundreds of vendors who look forward to the three-day event to earn money. “The fair is such a huge attraction for devotees and also a chance for people to earn some money. But this year the shops will remain closed, due to which a lot of shoppers are sad."
The Rath Yatra was shelved past couple of years due to the pandemic. This year, the temple trust scrapped its old wooden chariot and began building a 36-feet high chariot from the scratch after Covid-19 cases started coming down in the state. “We are happy that the yatra is being held this year, but the fair usually adds another dimension to the festivities," Pradeep Kumar, a devotee, said.
Sanjay Poddar, the president of Ranchi Mahavir Mandal, criticised the administration’s decision. “Political gatherings and all other festive processions are being carried out in a grand manner but the Jagannath Mela has been banned. The government should reconsider the decision because the yatra is not complete without the procession,” Poddar said. "Chhath puja, Ramanavami, Sarhul and Eid were celebrated with enthusiasm but the fair has been banned. The government should rethink its decision," he added.