Rath Yatra to be held only in Puri without devotees for second year in row

The Odisha government has decided to impose similar restrictions like last year during Rath Yatra, which is scheduled to be held on July 12.

The Odisha government on Thursday announced that devotees will be barred from participating in the annual Rath Yatra, which will only be held in Puri amid strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols. Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) P K Jena said the Odisha government has decided to impose similar restrictions like last year during Rath Yatra, which is scheduled to be held on July 12. "This year also, Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra will be held sans devotees in Puri. The administration has prohibited similar celebrations in other parts of the state," Jena said.