Sambalpur/Berhampur: Two major temples in Odisha are going to reopen on January 3 with strict adherence to COVID-19 norms.
The Sambalpur district administration has decided to reopen the Samaleswari temple. The residents of Sambalpur city will be allowed to the temple for five days till January 7. However, they will have to show their voter I-card or Aadhar card for entering the shrine.
From January 8, the temple will remain open for the general public. However, they will have to show a COVID-19 negative report.
In Ganjam district, the Tara Tarini temple will also reopen on the same day.
Ganjam Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange informed for strict implementation of COVID-19 guidelines, the district administration will issue a standard operating procedure (SOP) for devotees after a meeting with the temple trustees on Tuesday.
Kulange also said that there will be no zero night celebration in any hotel, mandap or convention halls in the district. Besides, the Gopalpur beach will remain closed for tourists on December 31 and January 1.
