Odisha: Amid Rath Yatra festivity, Puri temple servitor tests Covid-19 positive

PURI: Amid the peak of Rath Yatra celebrations at Puri on Tuesday, a servitor of Jagannath temple tested positive for Covid-19 virus, sending the state government into a tizzy.
The disturbing development triggered panic in the temple town as the Supreme Court, which had on June 18 stalled the Rath Yatra in view of Covid-19 pandemic, reversed its order on Monday and allowed Rath without the congregation of devotees.The SC’s review came amid massive public outrage and demands by the Centre and state government to hold the festival amid curbs. The apex court ordered the government to conduct Covid-19 test on servitors before allowing them to take part in the Rath Yatra.

"Covid 19 tests of 1143 servitors were undertaken on 22.6.2020 as per the Supreme Court instructions. Except one, all are found negative. Confirm case has been shifted to Covid hospital before the start of Rath Yatra rituals. Contact tracing is being done and the area has been contained," tweeted the Puri district administration.
The administration, however, did not ascertain whether the Covid-affected servitors came into contact with any of his colleagues, who took part in the Rath Yatra rituals on Tuesday.
In a departure from age-old tradition, nine-day Rath Yatra festival kick-started without the participation of devotees on Tuesday, in accordance with the Supreme Court's order in view of Covid-19 pandemic.
President Ramnath Kovind, prime minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Naveen Patnaik among others greeted people on the occasion of Rath Yatra.
Over 800 servitors, who have been tested negative after undergoing Covid-19 test, were allowed to perform the rituals. Curfew has been imposed across Puri district from Monday 9pm to Wednesday at 2pm to prevent gathering at Rath Yatra spot. The festival proceedings are being telecast live on TV channels.
Rituals started around 3 am by servitors inside the shrine. It was a treat to watch the sibling deities--Jagannath, Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra--being taken out from the temple on to the chariots amid boisterous Pahandi procession and beating of cymbals and gongs. The pulling of the chariots is scheduled to start at 12pm. Riding the bedecked chariots, the deities would start their annual sojourn to Gundicha Temple (their birthplace) by travelling 3-km on Grand Road.
According to the SC order, not more than 500 persons, mostly police personnel and officials, are allowed to pull each of the three chariots. Only those, who tested negative following Covid-19 test, are allowed to pull the chariots.
The festival was smooth till filing of the report. "All arrangements have been made for smooth conduct of the festival. Conditions set forth by the Supreme Court are being complied," Puri collector Balwant Singh said.