Jagannath Rath Yatra 2020: Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb performs ‘Chhera Pahanra’

Puri Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb, the descendant of Kings of Orissa who founded the Lord Jagannath Temple at the start of the 12th century in Puri participated in the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra on June 23. As a part of the ‘Chhera Pahanra’ ritual, he swept the chariots with a broom that had a golden handle. The Supreme Court had permitted the festivities to proceed amid the coronavirus contagion with certain precautionary measures in place to curb the further spread of COVID-19. The priests had gathered at the temple early morning on June 23 and as per Apex court’s has permitted only 500 people to pull the chariots.

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Among the measures ordered by the Supreme court to perform the Jagannath Rath Yatra included all attendees to have a COVID-19 negative report. The ritual basically involves three chariots that are Lord Jagannath's Nandighosh, Lord Balabhadra's Taladwaja and Devi Subhadra's Darpadalan. The 500-persons limit set by the court for each carrier involves the security as well as servitors. A health department official had said that they will collect the samples of at least 1,500 people who will attend the Rath Yatra this year and the examination was completed before the ‘yatra’ begins. 

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President, PM Modi extend greetings

Even amid the global health crisis with India recording over 440,215 total cases of coronavirus, the Jagannath Rath Yatra commenced on June 23. From President to PM, all leaders extended greetings for this ‘auspicious’ occasion. President Ram Nath Kovind wished that Lord would provide the nation with the strength to fight against the coronavirus outbreak. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished that the journey is filled with “reverence and devotion” that brings about happiness as well as prosperity. Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also shared their greetings. 

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Inputs: ANI