Bhubaneswar: Puri king Gajapati Dibyasingha Deba on Monday held a meeting with Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on the preparation for this year’s Rath Yatra.
Speaking to media persons, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, who was present in the meeting, said the Gajapati pointed out that three festivals- Rath Yatra, Nabajouban Besha and Netrotsav – fall on the day of Rath Yatra this year like 1971.
Considering this, he discussed the schedule of rituals on the day with the chief minister. Since the pulling of three chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra will start at 5 pm, the entry of devotees to the temple would not be allowed on the day, he said.
Harichandan said the king also discussed the participation of President Droupadi Murmu in the Rath Yatra and opening of Ratna Bhandar (treasury) inside Jagannath temple also figured in the meeting.
On possible rise in number of devotees to the Pilgrim Town on the day of Rath Yatra, the minister said it is not a challenge for the government as all possible steps are being taken to ensure smooth and hassle-free celebration of the festival.
“The government remains committed to its promise to open the Ratna Bhandar. Nobody should have any suspicion about our intention. But, it is a sensitive issue. We have to take a decision on the date of opening, the people who would be present at the time and fixing the responsibility of enumerating the jewellery inside it after consulting all the stakeholders,” he added.