Puri: June 28: Various issues relating to Ratha Yatra were discussed today under the chairman ship of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the review meeting held today at Puri.
While reviewing, Chief Minister asked all departments to co-operate for the smooth conduct of Ratha Yatra and the timely completion of rituals of the festival. Meanwhile, Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief, Suresh Mohapatra informed that the laws related to the Grand Festival would be followed strictly this time as well and the devotees would neither be allowed to climb up the chariot nor would be allowed to touch the deities.
Notably, the Shrine Administration on June 22 also announced that appropriate action will be taken against the servitors who would permit the devotees to touch the deities on Snana Mandap. The incident had taken place at about 10.30 PM when thousands of devotees crossed the barricades and touched the deities at Snana Mandap. Some devotees in servitors’ outfit were also seen touching the deities. In spite of the presence of various police officials including the Superintendent and also officers from SJTA nothing was prevented.
Law Minister Arun Sahu, Puri MLA Maheswar Mohanty, Puri Collector Arvind Agarwal, SP Sarthak Sarangi and representatives of servitor groups were present in the meeting.
