Bhubaneswar: In order to ensure smooth conduct of rituals of Lord Lingaraj during the Chandan Yatra, the darshan of deities inside the Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar has been restricted.
This decision was taken at a meeting of the Trust Board of the temple held recently with the servitors and other stakeholders. The schedule of Chandan Yatra was finalised at the meeting.
As per the final schedule, the Chandan Yatra will start from the day of Akhasaya Trutiya on April 23. It will continue for 22 days. During all days of the Chandan Yatra, the devotees will not be allowed to have darshan of Lord Lingaraj inside the temple from 12 noon.
The ‘Vimanas’ (palanquins) of Lord Lingaraj and other deities of the temple would be readied by 4 pm. They would be carried in the palanquins to Bindusagar (holy tank near the temple) for the Chandan Yatra after the completion of ‘Dwipahara Dhoopa’ at 5.30 pm.
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been assigned to decorate the Chapa (raft) with lights. The BMC has banned sale of non-vegetarian food in close proximity of the tank during the festival.
Meanwhile, the temple authorities have requested the Commissionerate Police to deploy adequate forces to ensure law and order during the Yatra.
