No Chariot Pulling By Public In Odisha’s Koraput This Year

Koraput: Even as the state government is yet to announce its decision on Rath Yatra in Puri this year, Koraput district administration has restricted the festival to the premises of Jagannath temple.

The administration has, in an order, stated that chariots of the deities will not be pulled by the public outside the temple under any circumstances considering the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the district.

It directed the Jagannath temple management committee to perform the Rath Yatra rituals with selected servitors amid corona guidelines like wearing face masks and maintaining social distance.

The Jagannath temple at Koraput is also called Sabara Srikhetra where Rath Yatra was celebrated with one chariot.

Last year, for the first time since 1972, three chariots were constructed for the deities and the chariot for Devi Subhadra was pulled by women. Members of Bonda, Kondh, Mali, Gadva and other communities participated in the festival in their traditional attire.

Also Read: Puri Sevayats Demand Early Announcement Of Rath Yatra Rituals Timings