Hemant govt calls off Deoghar Shravani Mela, Rath Yatra this year

Ranchi: In view of the Corona pandemic, Jharkhandś famous Shravani Mela held every year in Deoghar will not be organized this year.

Sri Jagannath Rath Yatra Mela organized in various parts of the state will also not be held this year.

Confirming the news, Jharkhand governmentś Secretary (Crisis Management} Amitabh Kaushal said Central government has already banned all religious congregations and events. In such a situation, Shravani Mela and Rath Yatra cannot be organized, he said.

As per Kaushal, the Central government, in its orders pertaining to relaxation in lockdown issued on 30th May last has clearly mentioned that public gatherings cannot be allowed. Bans on religious gatherings and events have been continued and are being followed till date, the Secretary said.

Deoghar Shravani Mela pulls lakhs of people from far and wide every year. The annual event is a source of income for a considerable number of people in the state, especially in Deoghar.

Following the government decision to call off the grand event, Deoghar district administration has stepped up security measures on all routes leading to Baba Baidyanath temple.

Deoghar Deputy Commissioner Nancy Sahay is learnt to have issued instructions to keep all temples and other religious buildings closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The administration has decided to deploy magistrates and police forces at the temple entrance. Devotees will not be allowed to go near the main entrance of the temple.