PURI, INDIA, April 27, 2020 (Odisha TV): While uncertainty looms large over Rath Yatra in Puri this year amid the nationwide lockdown to check the spread of Coronavirus, the highest body of Hindu religious scholars in Puri Srimandir, Mukti Mandap, stated on Monday that there is no harm if the annual Rath Yatra is not held this year in the wake of the pandemic. In a statement issued by Mukti Mandap, its working president Biswanath Mishra said that RathYatra could not be observed many times in the past due to attacks on the temple by invaders. Therefore, there is no harm if the festival is not held this time for the greater good of the devotees. “The lord will be really happy if his devotees, priests and people remain healthy and safe,” it added.
However, Puri Shankaracharya’s opinion in this matter will be regarded as supreme and all will have to accept it, the letter added. Mukti Mandap, suggested that the government can organize the RathYatra which is scheduled on June 23, with the help of a limited number of servitors and police personnel and all the entry points to the pilgrim town can be sealed to prevent tourists. “The devotees can watch live telecast of the festival on television and if they really want to be a part of the festival, they can do so by coming to Puri during next year’s Rath Yatra after the pandemic subsides,” said Biswanath Mishra.