Bhubaneswar: Odisha law minister Arun Kumar Sahoo on Wednesday said that devotees would not be allowed to climb the chariots during the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath at Puri.
The minister’s statement came after a meeting with the Daitapatis or servitors of the Jagannath temple. “The Daitapatis have agreed to the proposal to bar devotees from mounting the chariots not just on Rath Yatra day, but also on Bahuda Yatra and Suna Besha, two other important days during the nine-day festival,” the minister said. Asked if the devotees would be allowed on to the Rath on other days, Mr Sahoo said, “It is a sensitive issue and needs consultation with all stake holders.” A spokesperson for the Daitapatis said “The devotees would be allowed to mount the chariots after it reaches destination on Rath Yatra and Bahuda Yatra day.”
