The annual Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra began on Tuesday in Puri after the Supreme Court granted permission to hold the annual chariot festival this year.
The idol of Lord Balabhadra has been brought to the chariot by priests and 'sevayats' for the Rath Yatra from Jagannath Temple in Puri.
The Apex Court has permitted the state to hold the festival with restrictions in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. As per the order, it has allowed only 500 people to pull the chariots.
According to the police, an Additional Director General of Police is supervising the arrangements for the yatra. The pulling of every chariot is being supervised by a senior officer.
Performing artists, priests were also seen participating in the Rath Yatra.
The district administration has also ensured following of all health guidelines in the wake of COVID-19. "We will be ensuring that the participants are wearing masks and are following social distancing norms," said Balwant Singh, District Magistrate of Puri.
The Supreme Court on Monday modified its earlier order and allowed the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha's Puri to be held with the coordination of the Temple committee, State and Central government without compromising with the health issue pertaining to COVID-19.
Apex had earlier stayed the annual Rath Yatra at Jagannath Temple in Puri, which is slated to be held on June 23, and all activities related to the gathering in view of the coronavirus pandemic this year.
Here are some details about the live telecast of the Rath Yatra:
When to watch: June 23, 2020
Where to watch: The Rath Yatra will be telecast live on DD National and other channels. Alternatively one can also watch the celebrations on the internet.
Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra 2020 will be telecast live this year due to the pandemic. The celebrations will be telecast live by Doordarshan and other channels as well.
Watch the live celebrations here:
