We have decided to impose Section 144 for smooth conduct of Snana Yatra (Bathing rituals of the Trinity) scheduled to be performed on June 24. The restriction will come into force at 10 pm on June 23 and will continue till June25,” said Sub-Collector Bhabataran Sahoo.
He said unauthorised people will not be allowed to enter Puri town during the period. Anybody found violating prohibitory norms will be death with stringently, he said.
It may be noted that the Shreemandir has been declared closed till July 25 in order to check spread of the virus during Snan Yatra and Rath Yatra rituals.
Sources said Door Darshan will telecast the rituals of Snana Yatra, Gundicha Yatra, Bahuda Yatra, Suna Besha and Niladri Bije rituals and share the feed with private channels. People can witness the rituals through TVs.
Meanwhile, special Covid test drive (RT-PCR) for servitors, SJTA staff and police personnel will end today. Those who will test negative for Covid19 will be allowed to participate in Snan Yatra.
Such testing will also be done before Gundicha Yatra, before Bahuda Yatra and 15 days after Niladri Bije. The Ratha Yatra is scheduled to begin on July 11.