As the celebrations began, the state government announced the imposition of curfew in Puri town from July 11. This year, Ratha Jatra will be held on July 12. The weekend shutdown, imposed in 10 coastal districts with high test positivity rates till July 16, will be eased for Puri town, as per the notification. The state government has appealed to the people not to visit Puri during the festival, and instead watch the live broadcast of the Ratha Jatra on TV. Usually, around 10 lakh people gather in Puri during Ratha Jatra.

Source: Mint July 09, 2021 09:22 UTC