Uncertainty over Rath Yatra 2020 amid Corona Virus Pandemic
Coronavirus has hit hard whole India in last few months. Many festivals are being canceled due to Covid-19 fear. However, Rath Yatra is one of the major festivals of our country. But this time, the 452-year-old tradition might need to be cancelled due to Corona Virus danger.
Rath Yatra is attended by millions of devotees every year. With social distancing being the major tool to avoid covid-19 infection, this is almost impossible to maintain social distancing in Rath Yatra.
Work on Rath construction yard shed begins in Puri.
Sri Jagannath Temple Administration(SJTA) stated that the workers were instructed to start working on the construction yard. Workers started working on the shed that covers the yard and protects carpenters from the sun.
Biswakarmas(chief carpenters) will start Rath construction on Akshay Tritiya(April 26). They will start the work after the priests hand over the ‘Ajnamallaya’ (order of Lord Jagannath).
However, the state government has not officially declared anything in this regard. Devotees believe that Rath Yatra 2020 is around 2 months away(23-30 June), the situation will improve by then.
