The nine-day-long famous Biraja Rath Yatra concluded here with the Bahuda Yatra (return journey) held amid Covid-19 restrictions and without devotees on Saturday.
Priests conducted Chhera Panhara (sweeping) rituals on the floor the Rath. Subsequently, the chariot was pulled by selected servitors and priests. Devotees were not allowed to come to the main road near the temple. All entry points to Jajpur town were sealed. Police personnel and temple officials had undergone Covid-19 tests and those who tested negative for the virus were allowed to participate in all rituals of Rath Yatra.
All Covid norms such as social distancing and mask wearing were implemented strictly.
Notably, the Orissa High Court had allowed holding of Biraja Rath Yatra after hearing public interest litigations on October 8.
