Baripada: After a closure of nine months due to COVID-19 pandemic, the Jagannath temple in Mayurbhanj’s Baripada, also known as the Dwitiya Srikhetra of Odisha, reopened for devotees today.
Clangs of cymbals and gongs reverberated the air outside the temple decorated with flowers with large number of devotees making a beeline to have Darshan of the deities this morning. Later, the devotees were allowed to enter the temple in phases with adherence to all COVID-19 norms.
Besides, other temples and mutts in the district, including Kakharua Baidyanath temple, Simileswar temple and Devkund Ambika temple reopened today. The authorities have been asked to ensure that both servitors and devotees maintain social distancing and wear mask.
Earlier on December 29, a meeting regarding reopening of religious institutions in the district was held under the chairmanship of the district Collector. And, the decision for the reopening was taken after discussion with respective authorities of the religious institutions.