The double dose COVID vaccination certificate is no longer required to enter the Shree Jagannath temple in Puri from 21 February, officials said.
This decision was taken at a meeting of Chatisa Nijog of the temple in Puri on Monday, 14 February.
Keeping in mind the improvement in the COVID-19 situation in the state and double doses vaccination of the majority of population, this decision was taken, said chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Krishan Kumar.
However, he advised all devotees, who want to visit the temple, to be vaccinated with two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
Other COVID-19 restrictions like use of sanitiser and masks will remain mandatory for the devotees.
The temple will continue to remain closed on Sunday for devotees for sanitisation of the premises, he said.
Speaking about the scheduled visit of President Ram Nath Kovind to the temple, Kumar said that the temple will remain closed for the public during the President's visit to the temple on 19 February from 4 pm to 6 pm.
Apart from Jagannath darshan, the President will inaugurate the celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Srimad Bhakti Sidhant Saraswati Goswami Prabhupada, the founder of Goudiya Mission on February 20.
Later, he will also visit Sri Chaitanya Gaudiya Mutt before returning to Delhi.
(This story was published from a syndicated feed. Only the headline and picture have been edited by FIT.)
(This story was auto-published from a syndicated feed. No part of the story has been edited by The Quint.)
(The Quint is available on Telegram. For handpicked stories every day, subscribe to us on Telegram)
We'll get through this! Meanwhile, here's all you need to know about the Coronavirus outbreak to keep yourself safe, informed, and updated.
Liked this story? We'll send you more. Subscribe to The Quint's newsletter and get selected stories delivered to your inbox every day. Click to get started.
The Quint is available on Telegram & WhatsApp too, click to join.