Bhubaneswar, Jun 22 (IANS): After the Supreme Court gave its green signal with riders, the Odisha administration, here on Monday, geared up for the smooth conduct of the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings in Puri.

The 10-day festival will begin on Tuesday, but without the participation of devotees due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"I am confident the Rath Yatra will be conducted smoothly tomorrow (Tuesday), without devotees and with strict adherence to the Covid-19 guidelines," said Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy after a review meeting in Puri.

All the related departments were fully prepared for the annual festival and would comply with the Supreme Court's directions, he added.

"The preparation for the Rath Yatra had begun long back. We were always ready to hold the annual event. Now the Supreme Court has allowed the state government and the temple administration to hold Yatra," he said.

Following the court order, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik asked the Chief Secretary and DGP Abhay to take stock of the situation in Puri.