RANCHI: The district administration’s decision to ban the annual Jagannath mela has received criticism from many quarters. The administration in a circular issued late on Thursday night allowed Rath Yatra processions in the city this year, but banned the annual Jagannath Mela.
Ranchi deputy commissioner Chhavi Ranjan on Thursday afternoon held a meeting with senior officers of the district to review the preparations of the Rath Yatra, which is due on July 1. A statement, which was issued after the meeting by the district administration, read: "In consonance with the guidelines of the state disaster management authority, which prohibits any fair due to Covid-19, the Jagannath Mela fair will remain suspended. However, Rath Yatra can be carried with a limited number of people."
