The number of coronavirus cases in India has reportedly reached the 4,40,215 mark while 14,011 people have succumbed to it. Even though the government has started unlocking the country post the lockdown, the risk of catching the infection has still not subsided completely. Use of mask and sanitizers are still mandatory while maintaining social distance at public places is the need of the hour.
But recently, the people attending the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri were seen flouting the norms. One of the auspicious festivals in India, the Rath Yatra in Puri, Orissa commenced today and hundreds of priests and sevayats of the Jagannath Temple were in attendance.
#WATCH Odisha: Priests and 'sevayats' taking the idol of Lord Balabhadra to chariot for the #RathYatra from Jagannath Temple in Puri. pic.twitter.com/ohoWKlTwmm
— ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2020
Odisha: Idol of Lord Balabhadra being brought to chariot by priests and 'sevayats' for the Rath Yatra from Jagannath Temple in Puri. pic.twitter.com/EmUbazA63F
— ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2020
According to India Today, the permission to organise the annual Rath Yatra was given by the Supreme Court on June 22, after denying it earlier. As instructed, the procession has to be organised in a limited way without public attendance and only the servitors who have tested negative for COVID-19 can participate in the festival.
#WATCH Odisha: The King of Puri Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb sweeps the chariots with a broom having a gold handle, as part of the ‘Chhera Pahanra’ ritual, during the #RathYatra at Puri's Jagannath Temple. pic.twitter.com/THZ10CenOg
— ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2020
However, one of them has been tested COVID-19 positive.
Covid 19 Tests of 1143 Servitors were undertaken on 22.6.2020 as per hnbl Supreme Court instructions .Except one all are found negative.Confirm case has been shifted to Covid Hospital before Rath Yatra rituals , Contact tracing is being done and Area has been contained.
— PuriOfficial (@Puri_Official) June 23, 2020
People online were not impressed by the attendees flouting the social distancing norms:
This 'Rathyatra' drama continues at Puri in the name of majority Hindu sentiments – Supreme Court has abdicated its responsibility and political leadership keeps doing politics with people's lives. One of the servitors has been already tested as #COVID19 positive.. pic.twitter.com/jQi55CUhX9
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) June 23, 2020
Covidiots
— Yushi (@ZenChemX) June 23, 2020
Rath Yatra being carried out with utmost precaution and social distancing in place.
Everyone is wearing a transparent Hazmat Suit which we cannot see. pic.twitter.com/E1r0278gJ2
— 𝙀𝙡𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙯𝙯 (@ElShabazzz) June 23, 2020
They are not even wearing masks… And SC said all protective measures will be taken 👏🏻🙏🏻
— D (@DilDelhiHai) June 23, 2020
Corona be like : Ab to Positive hi Positive Case hoga…. pic.twitter.com/CQXGGGwyQu
— Mr. Citizen (@aam_citizen_) June 23, 2020
"Each of those who is engaged in pulling the chariot shall maintain social distancing before, DURING and after the Rath Yatra" – SC while allowing the Rath Yatra
Here is the social distancing👇. https://t.co/hsJQqbjoI9
— Ravi Nair (@t_d_h_nair) June 23, 2020
This is dangerous. Unless proper norms of social distancing were followed, this is a sure method to community spread.
— shalini malviya (@shalumalviya) June 23, 2020
Where is 'social distancing'????????
— Majumdar Jayanta (@Jayanta89406568) June 23, 2020
The Supreme Court of India gave its nod to organise the festival keeping the emotional sentiments of the devotees in mind. It also instructed every attendee to follow all safety norms. Wasn’t it the responsibility of the people to respect the order and abide by the rules. What do you think?