Bhubaneswar: Jagannath Temple, which has been closed for worshipers since January 10 because of an Omicron surge, reopened on Tuesday.
But the footsteps were less than expected on the first day of reopening.
“We have seen unprecedented demakan (no less than 50,000) on January 8, which is Darshan’s last day before the temple was closed three weeks ago.
But only 6,000 or 7,000 worshipers offered prayers when the temple reopened on Tuesday,” said a temple official.
It is mandatory for worshipers to bring their negative RT-PCR reports (valid for 96 hours from the date of issuance) or the full vaccination proof of entering the temple.
This limitation will remain valid until February 17.
“We will assess the Covid situation again on February 17 and may allow worshipers to enter the temple without RT-PCR reports or vaccination certificates, if the situation improves,” the official said.
The temple will remain closed on Sundays for sanitis.
The decision to reopen the temple came in the midst of persistent demands from Jagannath Sena, a voluntary organization, and various local vendor associations to lift the sidewalk.
Many servants also want restrictions for Jagannath Darshan will subside.