Pilgrims will not be allowed to enter the Puri Jagannath Temple till May 15

The Puri Jagannath Temple, one of the most popular pilgrimage centers in India, will be closed till May 15. Authorities have ordered the closure of the temple in the wake of the covid disease outbreak in the country.

The temple is located in Odisha. The temple is believed to have been built in the 12th century. Pilgrims have no access to the temple but the daily poojas are held continuously.

The renovation work on the temple is progressing smoothly, officials said. It is yet to be decided whether the major festivals of the temple are Chandan Yatra, Ratha Yatra, and Snana Yatra.

The Ratha yatra will start on May 15. The ceremony will be postponed if covid cases increase. No festivals were held last year due to covid.