AHMEDABAD: The 144th rath yatra is likely to be held in Ahmedabad this year, though in a curtailed form.
Top sources in the state police department said that the home department is likely to give a nod to an event where only few registered persons will pull the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balbhadra and their sister Subhadra as part of their annual excursion in the city, said a senior police officer.
“The government cannot allow a full-fledged rath yatra in order to prevent adverse impact on the Covid-19 situation which has just come under control after a severe second wave.
After marathon rounds of discussion with the Jagannath temple trust and other stakeholders, deliberations centre on holding a truncated procession this time,” said a senior police officer.
The official said that after discussions with the temple trust and home department officials, select few people will be given permission to take part in the rath yatra.
“We will ensure social distancing is followed,” said an officer.
“We have been thinking of imposing curfew on the 23-km long route, for an hour before and after the yatra,” said the police officer.
The state government is inclined to announce holding of rath yatra only when Covid cases dip to single digits.
The temple authorities’ decision to organize jal yatra is indicative of holding the rath yatra.
The event, which is otherwise attended by hundreds of people, is likely to see low participation this year due to Covid-19.
“The jal yatra will be held with the participation of around 50 persons including temple priest Mahant Dilipdas Maharaj,” confirmed Mahendra Jha, one of the trustees of Jagannathji Mandir Trust.