Odisha Fights Corona: Puri Gajapati Seeks Govt Decision On Holding Rath Yatra

Puri: Amid the uncertainty over the ensuing Rath Yatra in Puri due to the coronavirus outbreak, Gajapati Maharaja Dibya Singh Deb has asked the Odisha government to take an early decision on whether the festival would be conducted or not.

In a letter to the Chief Secretary, the Gajapati Maharaja informed that the temple administration has received 274 logs from Nayagarh and Ghumusar Forest Ranges for the construction of the three chariots. The administration has started building a temporary shed at Ratha Khala near the royal place where the construction work will begin on Akshaya Tritiya, he added.

He said that before the commencement of the construction work, the state government should clarify whether the festival will be conducted or not. He asked the Chief Secretary to apprise the temple administration of its decision before April 26.

A couple of days ago, Law Minister Pratap Jena had told the media that the state government will take a decision on the issue very soon.