Lord's Snana Yatra in Puri: All set

Puri: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and the Puri locale organization are prepared to lead the Snana Yatra and Hati Besha custom of Srimandir gods June 5 in the midst of the episode of novel coronavirus, said an authority of the twelfth century altar here Thursday.

In any case, the lovers would not be permitted to observe the washing custom of Lord Jagannath and his kin because of the Covid-19 pandemic, said the authority.

“Without precedent for the historical backdrop of Srimandir, a prohibitory request like the Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) has been forced around Srimandir for association of the Snana Yatra,” said a specialist.

SJTA sources said the managing divinities would be taken to the Snanabedi (washing special stepped area) on Srimandir premises from the sanctum sanctorum through Pahandi parade by 4 am Friday. An aggregate of 108 pitchers of sweet-smelling water would be required for the washing custom of the gods.

According to Srimandir custom, servitors would pour 35 pitchers of sweet-smelling water on Lord Jagannath, 33 pitchers on Lord Balabhadra, 22 pitchers on Devi Subhadra and 18 pitchers on Lord Sudarshan during the washing custom.

The divinities would be decorated with Hatibesha (elephant clothing) not long after the exhibition of Chherapanhanra custom by Gajapati ruler Dibyasingha Dev. “The gods would be taken to the Anasara Gruha (refuge for the debilitated) through Pahandi parade by 8 pm,” said the sanctuary official.

According to Srimandir custom, Lord Jagannath and his kin get fever not long after the washing custom. The gods experience 15 days of prescription during the Anasara custom.

“The state government is yet to take a choice on association of the Rath Yatra. This year, the super occasion might be sorted out without the nearness of enthusiasts due to the coronavirus alarm,” said a source.

Puri Collector Balwant Singh said the Section 144 would be in power around Srimandir and its close by zones from 10 pm June 4 to 2 am June 6 for association of the Snana Yatra. “The penance of Puri occupants will set a model for the entire world,” he said.

National supporter Doordarshan will live broadcast Snana Yatra and Hati Besha custom.