Ahead of Navratri, the nine-day Rath Yatra at Biraja Temple in Jajpur, Odisha started on Wednesday following COVID-19 protocols. Chakravarti Singh Rathore, District Magistrate of Jajpur told ANI, Due to COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to make a balance between life and the faith of people. We held a meeting with the stakeholders, public and officers. For Navratri, people can visit the temple for darshans between 5 am to 1 pm. For Rath Yatra, people can see at a distance but are not allowed to participate in the Yatra.
Rama Chandra Pani, a priest, said, Every year we participate in the Rath Yatra in Jajpur, but due to the restrictions imposed by the administration in the wake of COVID-19, people are not allowed to participate. Darshans are allowed in the temple, as Navratri begins. Balavadra Das, a devotee, said, I appreciate the decision taken by the administration. We should adhere to the COVID-19 norms.The festival of Navratri will be observed from October 7 till October 15. This year Ashtami falls on October 13 while Dashami is on October 15. (ANI)