Puri: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has banned the bursting of firecrackers during the upcoming Chandan Jatra in Puri as a precautionary step to prevent any mishap during the annual festival.
This decision was taken in a meeting with the Chhatisa Nijog in view of the tragic incident last year in which a devotee was killed and several others sustained serious burn injuries due to a cracker explosion.
The temple administration has decided to provide insurance coverage to servitors and other stakeholders associated with the festival. “There will be insurance coverage for servitors and other stakeholders during Chandan Jatra. Only rituals will be performed, and no firecrackers will be allowed,” Chief Administrator of SJTA Arabinda Padhee said.
The temple administration has also made arrangements for temporary first aid centres at the festival venue. There will be doctors, fire service personnel, and police as part of efforts to prevent a repeat of last year’s incident.
Notably, the Chandan Jatra festivities turned tragic last year when a firecracker explosion took place on the banks of the holy Narendra Pond, claiming the life of one person and causing injuries to several others. The SJTA is taking all necessary precautions to ensure a safe and incident-free celebration this year.
It may be noted that Akshaya Tritiya is slated to be observed on April 30 when the 21-day-long external (Bahara) Chandan Jatra will begin. The construction work of the chariots for the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and siblings will also commence on this auspicious day.
