Puri: The world-famous RathYatra began today at Puri amid tight security and strict adherence of COVID-19 guideline. In the first phase, the ‘Pahandi’ or the procession of the idols to the Chariots are being held. After this, the Gajapati Maharaja or the King of Puri Divya Singh Dev will conduct the ‘Cherapahara’ or the Religious sweeping before the grand deities.
On the basis of Supreme Court guidelines, this year’s Rathyatra is being held without devotees in view of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Yesterday the apex court amended its earlier order and permitted the Rathyatra with several conditions.