Puri (SunstarTV Bureau): The Jagannath Temple administration in Puri has decided to conduct the RT-PCR tests of 70 servitors ahead of this year Chandan Yatra of Puri deities, which is scheduled to take place on May 15.
Meanwhile, the servitors those tested for Negetive for Covid virus would be allowed to perform the rituals, informed temple administrator Ajay Kumar Jena.
“We plan to start the tests either on May 11 or 12 so that the servitors are ready to conduct the rituals by May 15. Special arrangements for the accommodation of the servitors have been made so that they do not mingle with others,” said Jena.
Chandan Yatra, which is observed on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, is a major festival in the run-up to Rath Yatra, which will be held on July 12. Chandan Yatra, an annual summer water sport or voyage of the deities, is traditionally performed in Narendra pond, about 500 metres from the Jagannath Temple. It could not be performed in the pond last year owing to the outbreak of Covid-19.
