BHUBANESWAR: Satyabhama Mishra was disappointed the moment she learnt that the government would allow Rath Yatra in Puri, but without the participation of devotees, like it had done last year.
Mishra was among a large number of devotees, who were hoping and praying for a glimpse of the Jagannath Temple deities at least during this Rath.
“I was optimistic of things returning to normal by Rath Yatra.
But the pandemic proved me wrong.
It is sad that we will be deprived of taking part in the deities’ annual sojourn from the Jagannath Temple to Gundicha for yet another year,” Mishra said.
The development has come as a jolt for many, who are anyway not allowed inside the 12th century temple.
“The shrine is off limits to non-Hindus like me.
Rath Yatra is the only occasion when we get an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the deities on the chariots outside the temple.
We have not been able to see the deities since last year,” Andrew Philipp, an International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) devotee from Germany, said.
The ban on the congregation of devotees has evoked a mixed response from the servitors of the Jagannath Temple.
“The Covid situation is steadily improving.
Many people have been vaccinated.
The government should allow devotees, especially the residents of Puri, to participate in the festivities,” Rabindra Dasmohapatra, president of Daitapati Nijog, a prominent association of servitors of Jagannath temple, said.
Binayak Dasmohapatra, another servitor, supported the government’s decision.
“A third wave of the Covid is being predicted by experts.
A restricted Rath Yatra like last year is a wise decision.
We will extend full cooperation to the administration for the smooth conduct of the festival,” he said.
The government pacified the devotees saying they should not feel disheartened as they can watch the Rath Yatra live on their TV screens.
“Like last year, the information and public relations department will ensure the live coverage of Debasnan Purnima, Rath Yatra, Bahuda Yatra, Suna Besha and Niladri Bije.
The devotees can get the best view on TV.
We seek their cooperation and request them to stay home for their own safety,” district collector (Puri) Samarth Verma said.