Puri: After almost 20 days, Jagannath Temple in Puri will reopen for devotees from 6 am to 9 pm from February 1. The 12th-century shrine, however, will remain closed for public darshan on all Sundays for sanitization.
The authorities had shut the doors of the temple for devotees on January 10 amid a spike in COVID cases.
Speaking to the media, chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration Krishan Kumar said that the decision to reopen the temple was taken at the Chhatisha Nijog meeting on January 28. “Arrangements are being made and everything will be in place tomorrow morning,” he said.
The chief administrator further said the COVID safety protocols are required to be followed strictly as the pandemic is far from over.
According to the SOPs issued by the administration, devotees are required to bring their photo ID card (Aadhaar/Voter ID) for identification, along with the double vaccination certificate or COVID negative RT-PCR certificate of testing done within 96 hours prior to their visit to the temple.
This directive will remain valid till February 17, following which the situation will be reviewed and a revised instruction, if required, will be issued.
It is mandatory for devotees to wear masks at all times both inside and outside the temple. Those flouting the norms will be fined and may be refused entry to the temple.
Devotees also have to sanitize their hands before entering the temple and maintain physical distance at all times in accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines.
