Bhubaneswar, May 7 -- Bhubaneswar: A day after Odisha government sought Centre's permission to commence the construction of chariots of Lord Balabhadra, Mahaprabhu Jagannath and Devi Subhadra for the ensuing Rath Yatra, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday gave its approval for the same making it clear that the construction activity should be carried out as per COVID-19 lockdown guidelines.

The Home Ministry has also clarified that the decision regarding holding of Rath Yatra is to be taken by the State Government keeping in view the conditions prevailing during the festival.

In a letter to Odisha Chief Secretary, the MHA said that Rath construction is allowed in the Rath-khala, which is situated on both sides of the Gra...