Rath Yatra 2021: The Three Chariots All Set To Roll On The Grand Road

Puri: The annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath along with his two siblings in Puri commences sans devotees and curfew for the second year on Monday. 

The three chariots, Taladhwaja of Lord Balabadhra, Nandighosh of Lord Jagannath and Darpadalan of Devi Subhadra are all set to roll on the grand road amidst tight security arrangements.

The servitors brought the three deities to the chariots and Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb did the chera pahara of the three chariots. Pulling of the chariots started at 12.15 Pm.

In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the administration made all arrangements to avoid huge gatherings of devotees. A 48 hour curfew has been imposed in Puri from 11 July 8.00 Pm to bar devotees from reaching the city for the annual festival.

The administration has also asked people not to congregate on roof tops in large numbers to witness the festivals. Security guards have also been deployed on roofs of the residential houses, hotels, lodges and guest houses to restrict people from gathering.

Like 2020, during the second wave of the pandemic, the Supreme Court has allowed the conduct of Rath Yatra in Puri with certain guidelines and restrictions. Only fully vaccinated servitors and servitors with Covid negative reports are allowed to participate. As per Supreme Court guidelines only 500 servitors are allowed to pull each chariot during the festival.  

President Ram Nath Kovind greeted people on the occasions of Rath Yatra.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the nation.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also greeted on the auspicious occasion of the Rath Yatra.