Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha's Puri amid COVID-19; see pics

The Rath Yatra this year has reportedly witnessed the lowest number of people in years after the Supreme Court's order to conduct the Rath Yatra with 'no public attendance' due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Supreme Court on June 22 allowed the Rath Yatra with conditions and asked the state government and the Centre to work in tandem. It also noted that the State government has the freedom to stop the Yatra if it observes a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in Puri.   

The devotees are keeping themselves safe using face masks amid the coronavirus pandemic. The police authorities are also checking whether the certain rules and regulations guided by the Supreme Court and the State government are being followed or not.

The Rath Yatra or journey of the chariots has a huge religious significance. During the month of Asadha in June or July, the presiding deities of Lord Jagannath, brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra are taken from their Puri temple to Bada Danda and complete the distance of almost 3 km to Shri Gundicha Temple on huge chariots. 

Picture of devotees during the Chariots' procession.  While the deities travel on chariots driven by many people, devotees and onlookers pay their obeisance and seek the darshan of the Lord for blessings. Reportedly, no more than 500 people are allowed to pull the chariots as per the new order and social distancing has to be maintained.

Devotees with face masks.

Devotees near the chariots. The Rath Yatra is also known as the Shri Gundicha Yatra.