Bhubaneswar, Nov 27 (IANS): After a gap of 26 years, the 'Nagarjuna Besha' ritual pertaining to Lord Jagannath and his siblings was held on Friday at the Jagannath temple in the absence of devotees due to Covid-19 pandemic.

It was last observed way back in November 1994.

Only servitors and temple officials were present when the deities at Jagannath temple were dressed up as warriors in golden attire and adorned with 16 traditional weapons and armours.

"With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, the rituals were held for Nagarjuna Besha. It was performed with the support of servitors and others as well," said Puri District Collector Balwant Singh.

The Puri administration imposed Section 144 of the CrPC in parts of the city to prevent congregation of crowds in front of the temple. The district administration also deployed 25 platoons of police.

Nagarjuna Besha ritual commemorates the killing of Kartyavera Arjuna, one of the main kings slain by Lord Parshuram, temple sources said.