Rath Yatra 2021: Puri celebrates amid tight security and Covid protocols

As per the standard operating procedure issued by the Odisha government, the Rath Yatra festival is being organised sans devotees for the second consecutive year.

The three decked-up chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings rolled out on Puri's Grand Road during the annual Rath Yatra on Monday, July 12, 2021. (Photo|Biswananth Swain, EPS) 

The festival is being organised in adherence to Covid protocols, sans devotees for the second consecutive year. (Photo|Biswananth Swain, EPS)

The festivities began at 4.30 am with priests performing Mangal arati. The temple priests performed homa and consecrated the three chariots after Kanakmundis were fixed atop the Raths. (Photo|Biswananth Swain, EPS)

The Sankaracharya of Gobardhan peeth Swamy Nischalananda Saraswati along with his disciples climbed onto the Raths and offered prayers. (Photo|Biswananth Swain, EPS)

Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb came in a decorated palanquin from his palace and offered prayers. (Photo|Biswananth Swain, EPS)

Fire department officials worked hard to spray water on the chariot pullers to beat the scorching heat. (Photo|Biswananth Swain, EPS)

Around 500 servitors were allowed to pull the chariots maintaining social distancing and wearing masks following the directives of the Supreme Court. (Photo|Biswananth Swain, EPS)

Over 4000 RT-PCR tests were conducted on servitors, temple officials, police, and scribes. People with Covid negative reports were allowed to participate in the grand event. (Photo|Biswananth Swain, EPS)