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Bhubaneswar, June 7, 2025:
With the much-awaited Rath Yatra festival in Puri set to begin on June 27, the Odisha Health Department has issued a precautionary advisory urging devotees who are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms to refrain from visiting the holy town during the celebrations.
Addressing the media, Dr. Amarendra Nath Mohanty, the State Director of Health Services, emphasized that while the current Covid-19 situation in Odisha remains under control—with only a handful of new cases reported—vigilance is still necessary. “We have very few Covid-19 cases in Odisha, and there is no significant cause for alarm. However, we must not let our guard down,” Dr. Mohanty stated.
He specifically appealed to individuals displaying symptoms such as fever and flu to avoid physical participation in the Rath Yatra. “We request those with symptoms to watch the festival on television channels instead of attending in person,” he added.
For devotees who are healthy and plan to attend, the Health Department has reiterated the importance of following Covid-19 protocols, including wearing masks and frequent handwashing. Dr. Mohanty also advised all visitors to consume clean water and fresh food to prevent water-borne and fly-borne illnesses during the festival.
In preparation for the influx of lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad, the Puri District Headquarters Hospital has expanded its capacity by adding more beds and deploying additional medical staff. The state health secretary has recently reviewed the arrangements to ensure readiness for the nine-day festival.
The Rath Yatra, one of India’s most significant religious events, will see the holy triad of Jagannath Temple embark on their annual journey to the Gundicha Temple starting June 27. Preparations in Puri are reportedly in full swing to welcome the devotees.
As of Friday, Odisha has reported seven new Covid-19 cases, bringing the total number of active cases to 30.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information from a news report published by The Hawk and statements from Odisha Health Department officials as of June 6, 2025. The Covid-19 situation is subject to change, and readers are advised to follow the latest guidelines issued by health authorities and government agencies.
