For the first time in the history, Snan Yatra (bathing festival) and Rath Yatra (Car Festival) of Lord Jagannath and His siblings will be conducted here in the absence of devotees.

As stated by Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb on Saturday, both festivals can be conducted as per the rituals but in the absence of devotees in view of the Covid-19 crisis.

After a meeting of the Temple Managing Committee held in Bhubaneswar, Deb informed that the Snan Yatra on June 5 would be conducted at the Meghanad Pacheri inside the temple as per the rituals but with limited servitors and in presence of selected administrative officials.  But the temple would not open for devotees.

The Gajapati Maharaja said the Information and Public Relations Department has been asked to ensure live telecast of the entire Snan Yatra and share it with media houses. Devotees across the world can have darshan of the deities staying in their houses through television, he said.

Regarding Rath Yatra scheduled on June 23, he said that a proposal has been given to the Government for holding the festival in accordance with the rituals but without devotees. The festival would be held only if the Government gives permission for it. The Government would take steps to ensure that no outside devotees come to Puri and no local devotees gather on the Bada Danda during the entire festival.

The Gajapati further said the Shreemandir would remain closed for devotees till Niladri Bije (return of the deities to the main shrine from the Gundicha Temple) even if the Centre eases the lockdown norms and allows religious institutions to resume normal functioning.