SJTA announces SOP for public darshan of Lord Jagannath

Puri, Aug 11 (PTI):
Ahead of opening the 12th century Lord Jagannath Temple here for public darshan from August 16 in a phased manner, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Wednesday issued the standard operating procedure (SOP) for different categories of people.
In a notification, the SJTA rolled out the SOP for the servitors’ families, local residents of Puri and devotees from within the state and outside.
The temple which remained closed since April 24 this year in view of threat of spread of COVID-19, will reopen as per the state government’s order. The SJTA has been directed to decide on the reopening of Shree Jagannatha Temple for public darshan in consultation with the concerned stakeholders and in compliance of COVID safety protocols and appropriate restrictions.
SJTA Chief Administrator Krishan Kumar said after detailed discussions and considering all the connected matters, it was decided to open the temple from August 16 under strict guidelines. The temple will be opened gradually for entry of the general public from August 16. However, on August 12 and 13 family members of the sevaks will be allowed darshan of the Lords.
The darshan timings will be from 7 am to 7 pm on all days, when temple is open for darshan of the Lords, he said, adding that the residents of Puri Municipality area will be allowed entry for darshan of the Lords from August 16 to 20.
All devotees will be allowed entry for darshan of the lords from August 23. However, the temple will remain closed for public darshan on all Saturdays and Sundays during shutdown as a measure to contain the spread of Coronavirus disease and in order to sanitise the temple premises.
The temple will also remain closed on major festive occasions in order to avoid any spike in transmission of COVID-19 on account of huge gatherings that are expected on such festive occasions. Accordingly, the temple will remain closed on August 30 (Janmashtami) and September 10 (Shree Ganesh Chaturthi).
“This situation will be reviewed again for the month of October 2021 or as required, Kumar said.
For the general public, it has been made mandatory for all devotees to wear masks at all times, inside and outside the temple, sanitise hands before entering into the temple, maintain physical distance at all times as per COVID-19 guidelines and follow Covid appropriate behaviour.

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