In a remarkable incident, hundreds of volunteers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) formed a massive human chain to create a corridor for an ambulance to pass during the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra. The video, which is being circulated on social media, shows people creating a human chain and blocking the crowd to create a passage in the middle.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Massive human chain formed by volunteers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to create an ambulance corridor during the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra Source: ANI <a href="https://t.co/6IpWTVA8c0">pic.twitter.com/6IpWTVA8c0</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2077951743443513740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The religious gathering drew lakhs of pilgrims, with reports suggesting a stampede-like situation at the festival in Odisha. While the state government denied the claims of any stampede, it confirmed that two people were killed.According to a statement by the Chief Minister’s Office, “All the sacred rituals connected with the festival, including the pulling of the three chariots, were conducted smoothly and completed as planned. Govardhan Peethadheeshwar Jagadguru Shankaracharya also came to the chariots and offered prayers. The state government made comprehensive and multi-layered arrangements for the successful conduct of the festival.”The state government said that detailed preparations were carried out well in advance, with coordinated planning involving all key departments, including Police, Health, Fire Services, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Transport, Municipal Administration, Public Health Engineering, Energy and other concerned agencies.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-ats-arrests-five-more-in-alleged-jaish-linked-terror-module-probe-total-held-rises-to-13-1784266681362">Gujarat ATS arrests five more in alleged Jaish-linked terror module probe, total held rises to 13</a>The Odisha government said that amid the unprecedented turnout of devotees and persistent rainfall, several cases of fatigue, dehydration, breathing difficulties and minor health issues were reported during the festival.“During the course of the festival, seven persons felt unwell and were immediately evacuated by the deployed personnel and shifted to the hospital without delay. Among them, one male devotee aged above 60 years unfortunately succumbed, and the exact cause of death is being ascertained by the concerned authorities,” the government said.The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) added that in a separate and unrelated incident, another male devotee aged above 35 suffered a cardiac arrest and died despite receiving immediate medical assistance.The statement added, “The overall conduct of the festival remained peaceful, orderly and well managed. There was no incident of stampede or any systemic breakdown of crowd management.”Watch | Puri Rath Yatra: One dead, over 100 devotees faint amid crowd surge<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/puri-rath-yatra-one-dead-over-100-devotees-faint-amid-crowd-surge-1784224626657/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/puri-rath-yatra-one-dead-over-100-devotees-faint-amid-crowd-surge-1784224626657/embed</a>&nbsp;

RSS volunteers formed a human chain to clear an ambulance route during Odisha’s Jagannath Rath Yatra. The government denied stampede reports but confirmed two deaths amid crowd pressure and health emergencies.

In a remarkable incident, hundreds of volunteers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) formed a massive human chain to create a corridor for an ambulance to pass during the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra. The video, which is being circulated on social media, shows people creating a human chain and blocking the crowd to create a passage in the middle.

RSS volunteers formed a human chain to clear an ambulance route during Odisha’s Jagannath Rath Yatra. The government denied stampede reports but confirmed two deaths amid crowd pressure and health emergencies.

WATCH | Crowd forms human chain to create ambulance corridor during Jagannath Rath Yatra

The sacred Snana Purnima festival was observed with great devotion at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, marking an important milestone in the annual Rath Yatra celebrations. During the grand ceremony, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra were bathed with 108 pots of holy water in a centuries-old ritual. The occasion also marks the deities' first public appearance outside the sanctum sanctorum, drawing thousands of devotees who gathered to witness the spiritually significant event ahead of the world-famous chariot festival.


Jagannath Temple's grand Snana Purnima ritual marks Rath Yatra countdown

In a historic moment, the sacred treasure vault of Jagannath Temple is set to be opened after nearly five decades. The Ratna Bhandar, believed to hold massive reserves of gold and silver as per 1978 records, will be accessed in multiple layers under tight security. While the process of inventory and counting begins, devotees will be allowed limited viewing from outside barricades, marking a rare and significant event for millions of followers.


India: Jagannath Temple Treasure to Open After 48 Years

The Jagannath Temple at Puri is set to begin its first treasury audit of jewellery and other valuables from Wednesday (Mar 25), marking the comprehensive verification of its gold, diamonds, and other ornaments in over 40 years. The Ratna Bhandar (temple treasury), which dates back to the 12th century, will be opened for the process during an auspicious window between 12:09 pm and 1:25 pm Chaitra Shukla Saptami, the seventh day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Chaitra, which is often dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. The exercise is to be completed within three months, according to the Orissa High Court order.According to an HT report, citing retired Orissa High Court judge Biswanath Rath, who heads the temple’s inventorisation committee, said that the exercise will verify every ornament against the nearly 50-year-old register and determine what survives, what is missing and what has been added.“The inventory will cover three distinct categories of treasure. First to be counted are the Chalanti Ratna Bhandar, or the outer, movable treasury, which holds ornaments used in the daily adornment of the Holy Trinity of Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra. It has crowns, garlands, earrings, armlets, ankle ornaments, forehead marks, and celestial symbols,” Justice (retd) Rath told HT.Once the documentation for the outer treasury is completed, the audit will move to the Bhitara Ratna Bhandar, or the inner chamber, which holds the temple’s original and most ancient valuables. Since the compilation of the list by the servitors in 1978, it has not been entered.The administration has said that the Lord’s Niti Kanti, Bhog Aarti, or darshan for devotees will not be affected by the audit process. It added that the counting will be conducted in phases or a time-staggered manner to ensure crowd management and the temple’s decorum.A six-member supervising committee, including renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik, will oversee the process and ensure procedural compliance. Another handling committee of 12 categories of members will assist in identifying and authenticating the ornaments. It will include representatives from recognised commercial banks and the Reserve Bank of India, temple servitors, administrative officials and temple goldsmiths.

Jagannath Temple begins its first treasury audit in 40 years, verifying jewellery and ornaments. Outer and inner chambers will be checked under court order without affecting darshan, ensuring transparency.

The Jagannath Temple at Puri is set to begin its first treasury audit of jewellery and other valuables from Wednesday (Mar 25), marking the comprehensive verification of its gold, diamonds, and other ornaments in over 40 years. The Ratna Bhandar (temple treasury), which dates back to the 12th century, will be opened for the process during an auspicious window between 12:09 pm and 1:25 pm Chaitra Shukla Saptami, the seventh day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Chaitra, which is often dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. The exercise is to be completed within three months, according to the Orissa High Court order. According to an HT report, citing retired Orissa High Court judge Biswanath Rath, who heads the temple’s inventorisation committee, said that the exercise will verify every ornament against the nearly 50-year-old register and determine what survives, what is missing and what has been added. “The inventory will cover three distinct categories of treasure. First to be counted are the Chalanti Ratna Bhandar, or the outer, movable treasury, which holds ornaments used in the daily adornment of the Holy Trinity of Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra. It has crowns, garlands, earrings, armlets, ankle ornaments, forehead marks, and celestial symbols,” Justice (retd) Rath told HT. Once the documentation for the outer treasury is completed, the audit will move to the Bhitara Ratna Bhandar, or the inner chamber, which holds the temple’s original and most ancient valuables. Since the compilation of the list by the servitors in 1978, it has not been entered. The administration has said that the Lord’s Niti Kanti, Bhog Aarti, or darshan for devotees will not be affected by the audit process. It added that the counting will be conducted in phases or a time-staggered manner to ensure crowd management and the temple’s decorum. A six-member supervising committee, including renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik, will oversee the process and ensure procedural compliance. Another handling committee of 12 categories of members will assist in identifying and authenticating the ornaments. It will include representatives from recognised commercial banks and the Reserve Bank of India, temple servitors, administrative officials and temple goldsmiths.

Jagannath Temple begins its first treasury audit in 40 years, verifying jewellery and ornaments. Outer and inner chambers will be checked under court order without affecting darshan, ensuring transparency.

Jagannath Temple to begin treasury audit today for first time in 40 years – What we know

For the first time since 1978, authorities opened the treasure inside the Ratna Bhandar inner chamber in Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha.

Gravitas: Jagannath Temple's secret unlocked after 46 years

The Ratna Bhandar or the treasury of the 12th century Jagannath Temple in the eastern Indian state of Odisha was reopened on Sunday (Jul 14) after a long wait of 46 years.

The Ratna Bhandar or the treasury of the 12th century Jagannath Temple in the eastern Indian state of Odisha was reopened on Sunday (Jul 14) after a long wait of 46 years. The inner chamber is located next to the 'Garbha-griha' (sanctum sanctorum) which houses the primary idols and assembly hall. A government-constituted 11-member team comprising of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief administrator Arabinda Padhee, Orissa High Court judge Biswanath Rath, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Superintendent DB Gadanayak and a representative of Puri's titular king 'Gajapati Maharaja' among other entered the treasury. According to reports, the team was forced to break three locks of the inner chamber as they were not able to open them using the keys provided. “We carried out all the work as per SOPs. We first opened the outer chamber of the Ratna Bhandar and shifted all ornaments and valuables kept there to the temporary strong room inside the temple. We have sealed the strong room,” Padhee said. Also read | Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024: Iconic festival underway in Puri with help of AI technology What's inside the treasury? Notably, the treasury was last opened in 1978 and till then, nobody had seen the inner chamber of the Ratna Bhandar, which is divided into two parts: Bhitar Bhandar (Inner Treasury) and Bahar Treasury (Outer Treasury). It took 70 days to prepare the inventory at the time and according to reports, contained 454 gold articles and 293 silver articles in both chambers. The outer treasury has a golden crown of Lord Jagannath and three gold necklaces that weigh 120 tolas (1 tola = 11.66 grammes) each. As per Odisha Magazine, Odisha's King Anangabhima Dev donated 2.5 lakh madhas (1 madha = 5.23 grammes) of gold to prepare jewellery for the deity as well. Additionally, there are plates of gold, diamond, pearl and corals also kept in the chambers. Watch | Odisha Rath Yatra 2024: All four gates of the famous Puri Jagannath Temple reopened Opening of treasury The opening of the treasury has been a political as well as a religious issue for a long time. Prior to winning the assembly election last month, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had blamed the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) led by Naveen Patnaik for keeping the treasury shut. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were at the forefront of the issue of the “missing” keys of the treasury. They urged Patnaik to come clean on inventorying the jewellery and precious stones stored in it. “The tradition of Jagannath Dham has been lowered in the name of promoting Puri as a tourist hub. The Shreekshetra (Puri) has been transformed into a commercial centre. The mutts have been demolished and the four entry doors of Jagannath Temple remain closed. There was conspiracy to stop the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath,” Shah had said in one of the public meetings. However, after coming to power, the BJP under Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has opened all the gates for the treasury and also announced Rs 500 crore ($60 million) for temple beautification and repair. The Jagannath Temple is famous for its unique Rath Yatra that takes place every year. The festival, much revered in this part of the world, is celebrated to commemorate Lord Jagannath (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu), his brother Balbhadra and sister Subhadra. (With inputs from agencies)

Treasury of Jagannath Temple opened after 46 years. What valuables are inside it?

Odisha's newly sworn-in BJP government fulfilled one of its election promises in its first few days and reopened Shree Jagannath Temple's all four gates in Puri on Thursday (June 13).

The government decided to reopen the gates of the temple in its first Cabinet meeting on Wednesday (June 12).

After the gates were reopened, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi, along with his ministers, Puri MP Sambit Patra, Balasore MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi and other leaders visited the temple.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mohan-charan-majhi-sworn-in-as-first-bjp-chief-minister-of-odisha-731119">Mohan Majhi sworn in as first BJP chief minister of Odisha, ending Naveen Patnaik's 24-year rule</a>

Speaking to news agency ANI, CM Majhi said, "We had proposed to open all four gates of Jagannath Temple in yesterday's cabinet meeting. The proposal was passed, and today at 6:30 am, I, along with my MLAs and Puri MP (Sambit Patra), attended the 'Mangala aarti'... For the development of the Jagannath Temple and for other works, we have proposed a fund in the cabinet. When we present the next state budget, we will allot a corpus fund for temple management."&nbsp;

<h2>Which four gates of the temple were reopened and why were they closed till now?</h2>

The four gates of the temple which were opened are - Simhadwara (Lion Gate), Ashwadwara (Horse Gate), Vyaghradwara (Tiger Gate), and Hastidwara (Elephant Gate). These gates are situated on the four sides of the temple.

During the Covid pandemic, all the doors of the temple were closed. After the gates were closed, the devotees were allowed entry into the temple through Simhadwara. However, other gates remained closed which led to a huge rush and long queues.&nbsp;

Among all the promises, the opening of Jagannath Temple's gates was the biggest one made by the BJP.

Watch:&nbsp;India Election Results: BJP set to form government in state of Odisha

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The devotees, who had been demanding the re-opening of all gates of the temple to ensure the revered idol's smooth darshan, welcomed the decision.&nbsp;

Speaking to ANI, Odisha minister Suryabanshi Suraj said, "During the elections, we had said that we would reopen all 4 gates... All four gates of the temple are going to be opened today. All members of the Council Ministers are present here. The CM is also present... A corpus fund worth Rs. 500 crores has also been announced for development projects... We took the oath yesterday and we are opening the gates today."&nbsp;

The Odisha cabinet also approved a new policy for farmers in which a minimum support price (MSP) for paddy was set at&nbsp;Rs 3,100 ($37.10) per quintal and this will be implemented in the next 100 days.

BJP's Mohan Charan Majhi took the oath as the chief minister of Odisha on Wednesday (June 12).&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Odisha's newly sworn-in BJP government fulfilled one of its election promises in its first few days and reopened Shree Jagannath Temple's all four gates in Puri on Thursday (June 13).

Odisha's newly sworn-in BJP government fulfilled one of its election promises in its first few days and reopened Shree Jagannath Temple's all four gates in Puri on Thursday (June 13). The government decided to reopen the gates of the temple in its first Cabinet meeting on Wednesday (June 12). After the gates were reopened, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi, along with his ministers, Puri MP Sambit Patra, Balasore MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi and other leaders visited the temple. Also Read: Mohan Majhi sworn in as first BJP chief minister of Odisha, ending Naveen Patnaik's 24-year rule Speaking to news agency ANI, CM Majhi said, "We had proposed to open all four gates of Jagannath Temple in yesterday's cabinet meeting. The proposal was passed, and today at 6:30 am, I, along with my MLAs and Puri MP (Sambit Patra), attended the 'Mangala aarti'... For the development of the Jagannath Temple and for other works, we have proposed a fund in the cabinet. When we present the next state budget, we will allot a corpus fund for temple management." Which four gates of the temple were reopened and why were they closed till now? The four gates of the temple which were opened are - Simhadwara (Lion Gate), Ashwadwara (Horse Gate), Vyaghradwara (Tiger Gate), and Hastidwara (Elephant Gate). These gates are situated on the four sides of the temple. During the Covid pandemic, all the doors of the temple were closed. After the gates were closed, the devotees were allowed entry into the temple through Simhadwara. However, other gates remained closed which led to a huge rush and long queues. Among all the promises, the opening of Jagannath Temple's gates was the biggest one made by the BJP. Watch: India Election Results: BJP set to form government in state of Odisha The devotees, who had been demanding the re-opening of all gates of the temple to ensure the revered idol's smooth darshan, welcomed the decision. Speaking to ANI, Odisha minister Suryabanshi Suraj said, "During the elections, we had said that we would reopen all 4 gates... All four gates of the temple are going to be opened today. All members of the Council Ministers are present here. The CM is also present... A corpus fund worth Rs. 500 crores has also been announced for development projects... We took the oath yesterday and we are opening the gates today." The Odisha cabinet also approved a new policy for farmers in which a minimum support price (MSP) for paddy was set at Rs 3,100 ($37.10) per quintal and this will be implemented in the next 100 days. BJP's Mohan Charan Majhi took the oath as the chief minister of Odisha on Wednesday (June 12). (With inputs from agencies)

Odisha's new BJP government keeps its promise, opens all four gates of Jagannath Temple in Puri

As the world continues to grapple with COVID-19, the novel virus has forced people across the globe to observe several festivities at home.

From&nbsp;easter to ramzaan, the pandemic altered&nbsp;this year's religious calendar.

The festivals which were celebrated with joy turned sombre amid&nbsp;prayers at home to combat the Wuhan virus.

However, after six months into 2020, things are beginning to change.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-coronavirus-pandemic-saudi-arabia-to-hold-very-limited-hajj-this-year-307851" hreflang="en">Amid coronavirus pandemic, Saudi Arabia to hold 'very limited' hajj this year</a>

Places&nbsp;of worship including the nativity church in Bethlaham, Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque and India's Golden Temple have reopened.

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Saudi&nbsp;Arabia has announced it will hold a "very limited" hajj this year, with pilgrims already present&nbsp;in the kingdom allowed to perform the annual ritual.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/jagannath-rath-yatra-in-puri-begins-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-307876">Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri begins amid coronavirus pandemic</a>

The development comes as the country moves to contain&nbsp;the biggest coronavirus outbreak in the Gulf.

Saudi&nbsp;Arabia is struggling&nbsp;to contain a major spike in virus, which have now risen to more than 161,000 cases,&nbsp;the highest in the Gulf&nbsp;and over 1,300 deaths.

The move was welcomed&nbsp;by the Arab countries as well as nations worldwide.

But lost in the cheer was a critical question: is a limited hajj synonymous to a safe Hajj?

As places of worship reopen one after another,&nbsp;can we rule out the risk of Covid-19?

The hajj, a must for able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime, could be a major source of contagion, as it packs millions of pilgrims into congested religious sites.

A single coronvirus patient who attended a Sunday mass in South Korea was suffice to&nbsp;drag the country&nbsp;into the Covid-19 whirlpool.

A similar scenario can occur at any other religious place of worship.

Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra or the chariot festival has begun in India. While all checks were in place on paper, the reality was quite contrary.

Social distancing norms were flouted by worshippers who seemed to be relying on God's grace for their survival.

According to a Dinanath Nayak, servitor at Jagannath Puri Temple, "now that bhagwan (god Jagannath) has come out on the streets to watch the woes of his subjects, he will cure the world. The chariot procession will definitely happen."

Similar sentiments were echoed in Indonesia in mid-April. When the world was respecting a modified ramzan, worshippers in the aceh&nbsp;province wanted to pray together.&nbsp;Today, Indonesia has nearly 50,000 cases.

Even god helps those who help themselves. Is it too hard to stay at home and pray at home, for one odd year? 
&nbsp;

As the world continues to grapple with COVID-19, the novel virus has forced people across the globe to observe several festivities at home. From easter to ramzaan, the pandemic altered this year's religious calendar.

As the world continues to grapple with COVID-19, the novel virus has forced people across the globe to observe several festivities at home. From easter to ramzaan, the pandemic altered this year's religious calendar. The festivals which were celebrated with joy turned sombre amid prayers at home to combat the Wuhan virus. However, after six months into 2020, things are beginning to change. Also read: Amid coronavirus pandemic, Saudi Arabia to hold 'very limited' hajj this year Places of worship including the nativity church in Bethlaham, Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque and India's Golden Temple have reopened. × Saudi Arabia has announced it will hold a "very limited" hajj this year, with pilgrims already present in the kingdom allowed to perform the annual ritual. Also see: Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri begins amid coronavirus pandemic The development comes as the country moves to contain the biggest coronavirus outbreak in the Gulf. Saudi Arabia is struggling to contain a major spike in virus, which have now risen to more than 161,000 cases, the highest in the Gulf and over 1,300 deaths. The move was welcomed by the Arab countries as well as nations worldwide. But lost in the cheer was a critical question: is a limited hajj synonymous to a safe Hajj? As places of worship reopen one after another, can we rule out the risk of Covid-19? The hajj, a must for able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime, could be a major source of contagion, as it packs millions of pilgrims into congested religious sites. A single coronvirus patient who attended a Sunday mass in South Korea was suffice to drag the country into the Covid-19 whirlpool. A similar scenario can occur at any other religious place of worship. Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra or the chariot festival has begun in India. While all checks were in place on paper, the reality was quite contrary. Social distancing norms were flouted by worshippers who seemed to be relying on God's grace for their survival. According to a Dinanath Nayak, servitor at Jagannath Puri Temple, "now that bhagwan (god Jagannath) has come out on the streets to watch the woes of his subjects, he will cure the world. The chariot procession will definitely happen." Similar sentiments were echoed in Indonesia in mid-April. When the world was respecting a modified ramzan, worshippers in the aceh province wanted to pray together. Today, Indonesia has nearly 50,000 cases. Even god helps those who help themselves. Is it too hard to stay at home and pray at home, for one odd year?

How religious places of worship can become breeding grounds of COVID-19

The Centre on Monday told the Supreme Court that the historic Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra in Puri can be allowed to be held this year without public participation in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

"The tradition of centuries may not be stopped," the Centre said, while seeking modification of the apex court's June 18 order staying the yatra.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lord-jagannath-wont-forgive-us-says-supreme-court-as-it-stays-this-years-rath-yatra-306803">'Lord Jagannath won't forgive us,' says Supreme Court as it stays this year's Rath Yatra</a>

"It is a matter of faith for crores. If Lord Jagannath will not come out tomorrow, he cannot come out for 12 years as per traditions," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who mentioned the matter before a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra, said.

The state government can impose curfew for a day, Mehta said.

The Odisha government also supported the Centre's stand in the apex court, which is likely to hear the modification plea during the day itself.

The Puri Rath Yatra is attended by lakhs of people from across the world and is scheduled from June 23.

The apex court had on June 18 said that in the interest of public health and safety of citizens, this year's Rath Yatra, cannot be allowed and that "Lord Jagannath won't forgive us if we allow" it.&nbsp;

The Centre on Monday told the Supreme Court that the historic Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra in Puri can be allowed to be held this year without public participation in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Centre on Monday told the Supreme Court that the historic Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra in Puri can be allowed to be held this year without public participation in view of the coronavirus pandemic. "The tradition of centuries may not be stopped," the Centre said, while seeking modification of the apex court's June 18 order staying the yatra. Also read | 'Lord Jagannath won't forgive us,' says Supreme Court as it stays this year's Rath Yatra "It is a matter of faith for crores. If Lord Jagannath will not come out tomorrow, he cannot come out for 12 years as per traditions," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who mentioned the matter before a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra, said. The state government can impose curfew for a day, Mehta said. The Odisha government also supported the Centre's stand in the apex court, which is likely to hear the modification plea during the day itself. The Puri Rath Yatra is attended by lakhs of people from across the world and is scheduled from June 23. The apex court had on June 18 said that in the interest of public health and safety of citizens, this year's Rath Yatra, cannot be allowed and that "Lord Jagannath won't forgive us if we allow" it.

Centre moves SC, seeks nod for Puri Rath Yatra without public participation

"Lord Jagannath won't forgive us if we allow" were the words of the Supreme Court on Thursday as it stayed this year's historic Puri Rath Yatra which is held in the eastern Indian state of Odisha.

"Lord Jagannath won't forgive us if we allow this year's Rath Yatra to go, " Chief Justice SA Bobde said, adding that a large gathering could not be allowed during the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-gears-up-for-unlock-10-devotees-flock-to-religious-places-304096">COVID 19: India gears up for Unlock 1.0; devotees flock to religious places</a>

The three-judge bench, including Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and AS Bopanna asked&nbsp;Odisha's government to not permit the yatra or pilgrimage procession anywhere in the state to avoid the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/malls-hotels-religious-places-set-to-reopen-on-monday-amid-sharp-uptick-in-coronavirus-cases-304079">Malls, hotels, religious places set to reopen on Monday amid sharp uptick in coronavirus cases</a>

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who was appearing for an NGO, argued that if Rath Yatra would take place, a huge gathering would follow, which will add to the risk of coronavirus infections.

A counsel appearing for an intervenor said the state government has issued a notification that there will be no public gathering till June 30.

The PIL was filed by an Odisha-based NGO seeking cancellation or postponement of this year's Rath Yatra, which carries on for 10 to 12 days and is attended by millions of worshippers from across the world.

"Lord Jagannath won't forgive us if we allow" were the words of the Supreme Court on Thursday as it stayed this year's historic Puri Rath Yatra which is held in the eastern Indian state of Odisha.

"Lord Jagannath won't forgive us if we allow" were the words of the Supreme Court on Thursday as it stayed this year's historic Puri Rath Yatra which is held in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. "Lord Jagannath won't forgive us if we allow this year's Rath Yatra to go, " Chief Justice SA Bobde said, adding that a large gathering could not be allowed during the coronavirus pandemic. Also read | COVID 19: India gears up for Unlock 1.0; devotees flock to religious places The three-judge bench, including Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and AS Bopanna asked Odisha's government to not permit the yatra or pilgrimage procession anywhere in the state to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Also read | Malls, hotels, religious places set to reopen on Monday amid sharp uptick in coronavirus cases Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who was appearing for an NGO, argued that if Rath Yatra would take place, a huge gathering would follow, which will add to the risk of coronavirus infections. A counsel appearing for an intervenor said the state government has issued a notification that there will be no public gathering till June 30. The PIL was filed by an Odisha-based NGO seeking cancellation or postponement of this year's Rath Yatra, which carries on for 10 to 12 days and is attended by millions of worshippers from across the world.

'Lord Jagannath won't forgive us,' says Supreme Court as it stays this year's Rath Yatra

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Facebook has formed data-sharing partnerships with 60 device makers, including Apple and Microsoft, giving them access to information of users and even their friends, a media report has claimed, weeks after the social media faced massive backlash for improperly sharing personal data of up to 87 million people.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-lost-bypolls-because-keshav-prasad-maurya-was-not-made-cm-up-minister-142152">BJP lost </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-lost-bypolls-because-keshav-prasad-maurya-was-not-made-cm-up-minister-142152">bypolls</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-lost-bypolls-because-keshav-prasad-maurya-was-not-made-cm-up-minister-142152"> because Keshav Prasad Maurya was not made CM: UP Minister</a>

UP Minister OP Rajbhar has said the BJP lost the recent Uttar Pradesh bypolls because Yogi Aditynath, and not Keshav Prasad Maurya, was made chief minister.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-good-pm-modi-doesnt-take-real-questions-says-rahul-gandhi-142113">Watch: PM Modi 'doesn't take real questions', says Rahul Gandhi</a>

In a latest dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi called him out saying that the interviews he gives are pre-scripted.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/denied-entry-into-examination-centre-upsc-aspirant-kills-himself-142134">Denied entry into examination </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/denied-entry-into-examination-centre-upsc-aspirant-kills-himself-142134">centre</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/denied-entry-into-examination-centre-upsc-aspirant-kills-himself-142134">, UPSC aspirant kills himself</a>

Varun, a 28-year-old student from Karnataka, allegedly committed suicide in Delhi after he was denied entry to sit for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) or civil services exam.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/keys-of-jagannath-temples-treasury-go-missing-odisha-cm-orders-judicial-probe-142148">Keys of Jagannath Temple treasury go missing, Odisha CM orders </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/keys-of-jagannath-temples-treasury-go-missing-odisha-cm-orders-judicial-probe-142148">judicial</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/keys-of-jagannath-temples-treasury-go-missing-odisha-cm-orders-judicial-probe-142148"> probe</a>

The keys of the 12th century Jagannath Temple's treasury chamber Ratna Bhandar in Odisha have reportedly gone missing.

Read the five big stories of the day here

Facebook shared user data with over 60 device makers including Apple, Samsung: Report Facebook has formed data-sharing partnerships with 60 device makers, including Apple and Microsoft, giving them access to information of users and even their friends, a media report has claimed, weeks after the social media faced massive backlash for improperly sharing personal data of up to 87 million people. BJP lost bypolls because Keshav Prasad Maurya was not made CM: UP Minister UP Minister OP Rajbhar has said the BJP lost the recent Uttar Pradesh bypolls because Yogi Aditynath, and not Keshav Prasad Maurya, was made chief minister. Watch: PM Modi 'doesn't take real questions', says Rahul Gandhi In a latest dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi called him out saying that the interviews he gives are pre-scripted. Denied entry into examination centre, UPSC aspirant kills himself Varun, a 28-year-old student from Karnataka, allegedly committed suicide in Delhi after he was denied entry to sit for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) or civil services exam. Keys of Jagannath Temple treasury go missing, Odisha CM orders judicial probe The keys of the 12th century Jagannath Temple's treasury chamber Ratna Bhandar in Odisha have reportedly gone missing.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The keys of the 12th century Jagannath Temple's treasury chamber Ratna Bhandar in Odisha have reportedly gone missing.

The state chief minister Naveen Patnaik has ordéred a judicial probe into the matter after protests by the Shankaracharya of Puri, Swami Nischalananda Saraswati, and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The case of the missing keys of the inner chamber surfaced two months ago on April 4 at the meeting of the Sri Jagannath Temple Managing Committee.

On the orders&nbsp;of the Orissa High Court, a 16 member team had entered the Ratna Bhandar on April 4 to investigate the physical conditions in tight security.

The court is monitoring the repair works undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India in the shrine since 2016.

The court had ordered the ASI to examine the structural stability and safety of the Ratna Bhandar. The team, however, could not reach the inner chambers of the Bhandar due to unavailability of keys.

The Mahapatra has claimed that neither the temple administration nor the Puri district treasury has the key of the inner treasury. 
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The case of the missing keys of the inner chamber surface two months ago on April 4 at the meeting of the Sri Jagannath Temple Managing Committee

The keys of the 12th century Jagannath Temple's treasury chamber Ratna Bhandar in Odisha have reportedly gone missing. The state chief minister Naveen Patnaik has ordéred a judicial probe into the matter after protests by the Shankaracharya of Puri, Swami Nischalananda Saraswati, and the Bharatiya Janata Party. The case of the missing keys of the inner chamber surfaced two months ago on April 4 at the meeting of the Sri Jagannath Temple Managing Committee. On the orders of the Orissa High Court, a 16 member team had entered the Ratna Bhandar on April 4 to investigate the physical conditions in tight security. The court is monitoring the repair works undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India in the shrine since 2016. The court had ordered the ASI to examine the structural stability and safety of the Ratna Bhandar. The team, however, could not reach the inner chambers of the Bhandar due to unavailability of keys. The Mahapatra has claimed that neither the temple administration nor the Puri district treasury has the key of the inner treasury.

Keys of Jagannath Temple treasury go missing, Odisha CM orders judicial probe

While Prime Minister Modi finalised the last day&nbsp;before the second phase of election in Gujarat by visiting the Ambaji temple, Congress President Rahul Gandhi paid a visit to Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a>: Congress President Rahul Gandhi visits Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad <a href="https://t.co/SoqixFK74a">pic.twitter.com/SoqixFK74a</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/940446313283330048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi&nbsp;boarded a seaplane to reach the Sabarmati Front, and from there&nbsp;road to reach the temple.&nbsp;His seaplane visit drew much attention and was called a &quot;historic&quot; move by his party leaders.

In over one month of the Election campaign in the state, Rahul Gandhi had paid visit to several temples including Shree Ranchhodji Temple in Kheda&#39;s Dakor, Somnath temple,&nbsp;Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar,&nbsp; Ambaji temple.

His frequent visit to the temples had attracted huge criticism from the opposition.&nbsp;

A controversy over his&nbsp;religion erupted after Gandhi visited the Somnath temple in Gujarat.

In a recent attack, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has said that the Gujarat polls have taught Rahul Gandhi &quot;visiting temples&quot;.&nbsp;

He also added that the polls have also taught Manmohan Singh to speak up.&nbsp;

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Gujarat ki janta ne do kaam iss chunaav mein achhe se kara diye. Dr Manmohan Singh ji ka mooh khulwa diya, aur doosra Rahul Gandhi ko mandir jaana sikha diya: UP CM Yogi Adityanath <a href="https://t.co/Db3plqEFSQ">pic.twitter.com/Db3plqEFSQ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/940458188469497856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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In over one month of the Election campaign in the state, Rahul Gandhi has paid the visit to several temples including Shree Ranchhodji Temple in Kheda's Dakor, Somnath temple,?Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar,? Ambaji temple

While Prime Minister Modi finalised the last day before the second phase of election in Gujarat by visiting the Ambaji temple, Congress President Rahul Gandhi paid a visit to Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad. #Gujarat: Congress President Rahul Gandhi visits Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/SoqixFK74a — ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2017 × #Gujarat: Congress President Rahul Gandhi visits Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/Rxv33VdI0i — ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2017 × PM Modi boarded a seaplane to reach the Sabarmati Front, and from there road to reach the temple. His seaplane visit drew much attention and was called a "historic" move by his party leaders. In over one month of the Election campaign in the state, Rahul Gandhi had paid visit to several temples including Shree Ranchhodji Temple in Kheda's Dakor, Somnath temple, Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar, Ambaji temple. His frequent visit to the temples had attracted huge criticism from the opposition. A controversy over his religion erupted after Gandhi visited the Somnath temple in Gujarat. In a recent attack, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has said that the Gujarat polls have taught Rahul Gandhi "visiting temples". He also added that the polls have also taught Manmohan Singh to speak up. Gujarat ki janta ne do kaam iss chunaav mein achhe se kara diye. Dr Manmohan Singh ji ka mooh khulwa diya, aur doosra Rahul Gandhi ko mandir jaana sikha diya: UP CM Yogi Adityanath pic.twitter.com/Db3plqEFSQ — ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2017 ×

Before final phase of Gujarat election, Rahul Gandhi visits Jagannath temple

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