Rath construction work begins in Puri for annual Jagannath Yatra amid lockdown - In Pics

The most revered and much-awaited Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is scheduled to begin from June 23, Thursday this year. It is most significant and a major festival in Odisha, Bhubaneswar. Also known as the chariot festival, it happens to be a 15-day long festival which is celebrated with much gusto and fervour in the temple town of Puri, Odisha.

However, this year due to the deadly novel coronavirus pandemic, the Centre has left the decision of holding the Rath Yatra upon the state government after analysing the current health scare. But it has allowed the construction of the Raths (chariots) for the religious procession amid the nationwide shutdown. Therefore the Rath construction in Puri has begun. 

Take a look at the pictures:

A distant view of the Jagannath Puri Temple amid lockdown. Devotees and temple workers wear masks to fight against the deadly novel coronavirus.

People carry a huge log of wood on their shoulders inside the Temple premises which will be used for the construction of the chariots during the annual Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha.

Chariots' construction work begins in Jagannath Puri Temple after MHA nod.

A log of wood for Rath construction at Puri, Odisha.

Rath construction work in full gear. People take precautions against COVID-19 outbreak while performing their duties.

Shri Jagannath Puri Temple premises in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.