Ban On Religious & Cultural Congregations During These Festivities In Odisha

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Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has put a ban on religious and cultural congregation during ‘Good Friday’, Easter, ‘Pana Sankranti’/Jhamu Jatra, Danda Jatra and ‘Sriram Navami’ in April.

“People usually congregate and get in touch with each other to celebrate the festivals during which it is not possible to adhere to COVID-appropriate behaviour and such congregations have a potential to cause the spread of the COVID-19,” the notification issued by the office of Special Relief Commissioner said.

Religious rituals in churches/ temples/ places of worship will continue as usual with a limited number of persons with strict adherence to Covid protocols.

“Considering local conditions, collectors and municipal commissioners may impose appropriate restrictions on the entry of devotees into churches/ temples/ religious places/ places of worship and in the celebrations in churches/ temples/ religious places/ places of worship, Collectors/ Municipal Commissioners may decide the number of persons to attend any such religious ritual/festival/ in their respective jurisdictions with strict adherence to COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and norms,” it further said.

Any person found violating this order will be punished Disaster Management Act, 2005 and other relevant laws, the notification added.