SJTA bans climbing of chariots and touching of deities by

Ahead of Lord Jagannath's annual Rath Jatra on June 25, Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) today put a ban on climbing the chariots and touching deities.

"Climbing the chariots and touching the deities during the Rath Jatra festival is not permissible as per the order of the Orissa High Court. Criminal action may be taken against anyone found violating the court order," SJTA chief administrator P K Jena told reporters here.

Jena, a senior IAS officer, in-charge of the temple administration, said it is strictly prohibited for devotees to touch the deities or even climb the chariots "We will ensure that no such incident takes place during Rath Jatra. During the Pahandi (procession) of deities no devotees will be allowed to touch idols. The decision of 2014 of SJTA and High Court will be followed. Climbing the chariots in the attire of servitors will be treated as a criminal offence," Jena said.

Jena said the administration has made provision of sign boards to be put at different places in order to create awareness among devotees visiting the holy town.

The state government expected congregation of about 10 lakh devotees during the annual Rath Jatra of Lord Jagannth.

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