“The Chief Justice said that Lord Jagannath won’t forgive us if we allow this year’s Rath Yatra to go on.” I agree to this. Ratha Yatra, every year around 10 to 12 Lakhs of devotees thronged the coastal town of Puri to catch the glimpse of deities re-embodied after 19 years on chariots on the occasion of Rath Yatra, marking largest-ever religious congregation in Odisha.

Yes, lakhs of devotees. And it’s impossible to maintain social distancing when there are lakhs of people. In the court order, the “CJI observed that the rath yatra normally draws a crowd of 10-13 lakh and continues for a period of 10-15 days.” The court said such a large gathering raises public health and safety concerns during a pandemic. And it’s right for them to be concerned, it will drastically increase the number of cases of positive patients. Even the Olympics has been postponed this year, Few Pandits should be allowed to do the rituals. I think that would be the best decision. The Rath Yatra would be broadcasted, the devotees should understand the situation and watch it live. Even Lord Jagannath won’t be happy to see this devotees risking their life. Lord Jagannath would actually want few pandits and Pujaris to complete the ritual beautifully. Lord Jagannath would love to see few devotees working and making the Rath for him and maintaining social distancing. Lord Jagannath would want everyone to stay at home and be safe.