Ban on VVIPs and pilgrims to board on Chariots

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Puri, Jun 25 (UNI) The Jagannath Temple authority has decided to prohibit the VVIPs and others from boarding the three chariots during the Ratha Yatra on June 27.

Briefing reporters, Jagannath Temple Chief Administrator S C Mohapatra said steps were being taken to prohibit boarding of non-servitors or pilgrims on to the rathas during pulling of the chariots on the festival day.

He said the servitors would be prosecuted if any of them attempted to facilitate the pilgrims onto the chariots during the restricted period. ''Even the VVIPs would not be allowed to board on the chariots,'' he added.

The chiefs of the Daita pati Nijog had assured the temple administration that they would cooperate in this regard. Only the Sankaracharya of Puri and the Gajapati King could go up to the rathas besides the servitors on duty, Mr Mohapatra said.

He said all efforts would be made to keep the frontage of the rath and the deities free from obstruction during the entire journey of the deities on their respective chariots.

The Gundicha temple, where the three presiding deities would stay for nine days, would be illuminated by fixing a number of hi-max lights, provided by the NTPC at a cost of Rs.35 lakhs.

Mr Mohapatra said some 6000 armed policemen besides Rapid Action Force (RAF) would be deployed to tackle the rush during the festival.

Six Inspector Generals of Police (IGP) would be deputed to monitor the security arrangement and for regulation of vehicular traffic, one Director General of Police (DGP) would be in-charge of the festival, he added.

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