Incapacity activist urges Odisha govt to make Jagannath ‘darshan’ wheelchair-friendly

Disability rights activist Jitendra Biswal called on the Odisha government to allow the “darshan” of the deities in Puris Jagannath Temple for wheelchair-bound devotees.

The district administration in Puri said the Jagannath Temple had reopened with the applicable Covid-19 protocols. (File photo)

One day after the reopening of Jagannath Temple in Puri, which had remained closed for four months, disability rights activist Jitendra Biswal called on the Odisha government to allow “darshan” for wheelchair-bound supporters.

Jitendra Biswal, a Bhubaneswar-based disability rights activist, said the “darshan” of the deities at Jagannath Temple is inaccessible to wheelchairs.

“Jagannath Mahaprabhu is the Lord of the Universe. He does not distinguish between rich or poor and normal or disabled people. If many can have darshan from Lord Jagannath in the temple, people with disabilities like me must be content with outside praying. The Government should create a path for the wheelchair bound believers inside the temple, “Biswal told India Today.

Jitendra Biswal, the Bhubaneswar-based disability rights activist (Photo: Twitter / @ JBiswal)

The district administration had previously made special arrangements for visiting the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri.

The wheelchair bound believers are allowed to go up to the Singho Dwaar (Lion Gate) in front of the main entrance of the temple. However, you are not allowed to go inside as there is no ramp available at Singho Dwar.

On Tuesday, thousands of devotees crowded the Jagannath Temple as it reopened after four months due to a coronavirus pandemic.

The district administration in Puri said the Jagannath Temple had reopened with the applicable Covid-19 protocols. Special precautions had been taken for people with disabilities.

“The public darshan in Shree Jagannath Temple Puri has started from today according to all Covid protocols. Special arrangements have been made for people with disabilities.

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