Rath Yatra: Odisha Seeks Centre’s Permission To Start Chariot Construction In Puri

Bhubaneswar: In a new twist to the ongoing controversy over construction of chariots for Rath Yatra in Puri, the Odisha government has sought the permission from the central government.

Despite the appeal of Jagannath Temple Managing Committee and Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb to allow the construction work, the state government has so far remained silent on the issue.

Following a meeting of the managing committee chaired by the Gajapati on May 3, the temple administration had written a letter to the state Law Department, seeking government permission to start the chariot construction work by abiding to the national lockdown guidelines.

The committee had also expressed concern over the matter as the work had already been delayed by eight days. They apprehend that the construction work may not be completed in due time.

The world famous annual Rath Yatra is attended by lakhs of devotees from all over India and abroad. This year, it will be held on June 23.