Puri: The Rath Yatra this year is a challenge for the servitors who are staying away from home for their duty towards Lord Jagannath, said Krishan Kumar, Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath temple Administration (SJTA) here on Thursday.
Chariot construction work at the Ratha Khala along the Grand Road is in progress to keep the age-old tradition of Rath Yatra alive. The work is being undertaken by following the COVID protocol like screening and testing of the servitors engaged in the work, he said.
As the work entered 5th day, work on giving shape to 42 tumbha is in progress. Wood for 40 tumbha is available and the rest logs for 2 other tumbhas will reach soon, he added.
“A total of 88 servitors are engaged in the work. The sevayats are examined for COVID and are housed at Gundicha Bhakta Nivas,” said Kumar. “Only those sevayats who test negative for COVID are permitted to participate in the chariot construction,” he added.
After the required tests, 8 sevayats have tested positive for the coronavirus, he said and added that they are being provided necessary medical aid.
Further tightening the restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus and preventing entry of any outsider, the SJTA and district administration has decided to create a bio-bubble at the Ratha Khala area, said Kumar.
“As maintaining social distancing at Ratha Khala is nearly impossible because of the nature of work, it has been decided to give the servitors N-95 masks for maximum protection against the virus,” he added.
Keeping in mind the eagerness of the devotees worldwide, Kumar said arrangements have been made to disseminate all necessary information and pictures regarding the chariot construction work.
He also sought the cooperation of media persons to prevent wrong information from reaching the people and create panic among the people.
For the next major event of Narasingha Chaturdasi, scheduled on May 25, he said this function too will be held as per COVID protocol.