Puri’s Jagannath Temple closes for devotees as Covid-19 cases rise in Odisha

In Bhubaneswar, Lingaraj Temple, the largest temple in the city as well as other temples have been closed for devotees. The Ashokasthami festival of Lord Lingaraj was observed earlier this week without any devotees.

Published on: Apr 24, 2021, 23:34:15 IST

By Debabrata Mohanty

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The Jagannath Temple administration on Saturday closed the shrine for devotees till May 15 in view of the rising Covid-19 cases over the last few days.

Puri district on Saturday reported 395 fresh cases as the TPR rose to 23.33%. In the last 7 days, at least 50 people including a temple servitor who had gone to Kumbh Mela in Haridwar have tested positive. (HT PHOTO.)

Sri Jagannath Temple Administration chief administrator Dr Krishan Kumar who held a virtual meeting with members of Chhatisa Nijog, Puri district collector and SP and members of the temple said any spread of Covid-19 among servitors and their families will be detrimental to the observance of ensuing festivals like Chandan Jatra, Snana Jatra and Rath Yatra.

“So the temple will remain closed for darshan till May 15, the day of Akshay Tritiya festival. However, all the daily rituals will continue with the help of servitors and temple officials. Ensuring the health of servitors who do daily seva-puja of the Lord is of utmost importance. So regular screening and testing for servitors, their families and temple officials will be taken up to ensure that cases of Covid-19 amongst them are detected at an early date and are provided effective treatment,” said Dr Kumar.

Dr Kumar said a Covid Care Centre has been made operational at Niladri Bhakt Niwas and it will be further strengthened as per requirement. Constant review of the same will be taken up. Arrangements for shifting of serious cases for treatment to Bhubaneswar will be ensured seamlessly. Puri district on Saturday reported 395 fresh cases as the TPR rose to 23.33%. In the last 7 days, at least 50 people including a servitor who had gone to Kumbh Mela in Haridwar have tested positive.

Awareness programs will continue to highlight the importance of masks, sanitisers, physical distancing. Vaccination will be prioritised for those who are involved in daily Seva-Puja of the Lord and also those involved in the construction of the three chariots for the upcoming Rath Yatra.

In Bhubaneswar, Lingaraj Temple, the largest temple in the city as well as other temples have been closed for devotees. The Ashokasthami festival of Lord Lingaraj was observed earlier this week without any devotees.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Debabrata Mohanty
Debabrata Mohanty is a senior assistant editor of Hindustan Times who works as state correspondent from Odisha covering the state's politics, governance, public policy, natural disasters, environment and its society for close to three decades. With his long years of reporting from the state capital of Bhubaneswar, Mohanty has been known as one of the most experienced and credible journalists covering Odisha for the national English dailies. His reporting combines on-ground detail with deep institutional knowledge detailing the state's changing politics, governance issues, administrative reforms and the functioning of its public institutions. He has regularly reported on issues ranging from legislative developments and public policy implementation. Politics is his core areas of expertise as he closely tracks Odisha's political landscape, including the rise and transformation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the two principal political parties in Odisha. His long association with the state's political establishment enables him to write on contemporary developments in a larger political context. Mohanty takes a deep interest in writing human interest stories, environmental issues and documenting the impact of cyclones, floods, heatwaves, and other climate-related events in one of the most disaster-prone states. His coverage extends to public health, governance reforms and stories on accountability of government institutions. Before joining Hindustan Times, Mohanty worked with The Indian Express, Mail Today, and The Telegraph, where he covered at least six general elections and as many assembly elections. In 2007, he was selected for the prestigious Chevening Young Indian Print Journalist Programme at the University of Lincoln, United Kingdom, where he received advanced training in print journalism. In 2009 he won the Press Institute of India-International Committee of Red Cross award on conflict reporting for his on-ground reportage of 2008 Kandhamal riots.Read More

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