21-day Chandan Yatra of Lord Jagannath began in Puri on May 15. The yatra marks the beginning of construction of Raths (3 wooden Chariots) for the annual Rath Yatra which was scheduled to take place in July.
However, in view of the second wave of Covid-19, only limited numbers of people were allowed to attend Chandan Yatra while thousands of devotees attend Chandan Yatra every year.
The Puri district administration has decided to clamp prohibitory order under Section 144 to prevent gathering of devotees around the Narendra Puskarini (tank) during the yatra. However, the age-old daily rituals of the trinity-Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath - will continue with help of servitors and Sri Jagannath Temple Administration officials.
