144th Jagannath Rath Yatra: Muted celebrations due to Covid-19

Amidst beating of cymbals, blowing of conch shells and chanting of 'Hari Bol', Lord Jagannath and his celestial siblings' devotee-less Ratha Jatra was held in Odisha's Puri with strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols as the entire coastal town was put under curfew.(Image Credit: PTI Photos)

Amidst beating of cymbals, blowing of conch shells and chanting of 'Hari Bol', Lord Jagannath and his celestial siblings' devotee-less Ratha Jatra was held in Odisha's Puri on Monday with strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols as the entire coastal town was put under curfew.

The three majestic chariots of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath reached their destination at the Shree Gundicha Temple, about 3 km away from the main temple, much ahead of the schedule.

Devotees perform rituals during the annual Rath Yatra festival in Puri.

The state government had banned physical public participation in the annual event in the wake of prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.

This was for the second consecutive year and the second time in the history of the 12th-century shrine that the annual mega-festival, considered one of the biggest religious events in the country, was held sans devotees.

The entire 3-km stretch of the Grand Road in front of the temple wore a deserted look as only some selected priests and police personnel were allowed to physically conduct the event.

A devotee performs during the annual Rath Yatra festival in Puri.

Only those servitors, police personnel and officials who have tested negative for COVID-19 were allowed to take part in the festival.

Descending from the 'Ratna Sinhasana', the bejeweled throne, the three deities were taken out of the temple down the 22 steps known as 'Baisi Pahacha' through the Lion's Gate in an elaborate ritual.

Priests pull chariots from their construction site to the Jagannath temple on the eve of Rath Yatra festival, in Puri.