By Akshya Rout
Jajpur: The nine day long famous Biraja Rath Yatra concluded in the 13th century Ma Biraja temple on Saturday. The Bahuda Yatra or return journey of the replica of deity was celebrated without devotees amid shutdown in Jajpur town known as Biraja khetra due to covid-19 restrictions.
The priests swept the floor of the wooden chariot known as Chhera Panhara rituals . Later the chariot was pulled by selected servitors and priests. Devotees are not allowed on the main road near the temple. All entry points to Jajpur town have been sealed and the devotees are requested to stay home. Priests , police personnel and temple officials had undergone COVID-19 tests and only those who tested negative for the virus were allowed to discharge their duties and participate in chariot pulling during the Bahuda Jatra. All the priests and other participants followed the proper precautions like use of sanitizer, masks and social distancing to stay safe during the Rath Yatra, said Chakravarti Singh Rathore the collector of Jajpur.
Orissa High Court on 8th October allowed Biraja Rath Yatra after hearing Public Interest Litigations(PILs) and directed the district administration to conduct the rath yatra by adhering to the covid-19 guidelines As per the order of the High Court the district administration allowed the Rath Yatra by considering the religious sentiments and keeping the the long traditions of the festival with some restrictions due to coronavirus , added the collector.