BMC Modifies Norms For Weddings, Funerals In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: In partial modification of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation’s Monday’s order capping the number of guests attending weddings, funerals and thread ceremonie to 50, a fresh order has been issued by the civic body on Tuesday relating to gatherings and number of guests at such events.

The BMC has categorically said in its clarification that the maximum number of persons allowed at weddings, thread ceremonies or mourning events shall not exceed 50 at any point of time. About 50 per cent of closed space or halls should be filled and the number of guests shall not exceed 50 at any point of time, the revised notification said.

However, in case of open spaces, the civic authorities have not given any discount to organisers as they have been told to maintain a distance of 6-ft among the participants and the maximum number of guests have been limited to 50 only.

The stipulations shall be applicable to all other official and business functions and valid till October 31, 2021 in order to maintain Covid protocol.

The BMC’s earlier order made it clear that it will be the joint responsibility of the hosts and organisers of events at Kalyan Mandaps to adhere to Covid guidelines. While announcing the September guidelines, the Government had relaxed the curbs on wedding and thread ceremonies by raising the ceiling to 250 and lifted the ban on processions.

The Government has also extended the night curfew (8 pm to 5 am) by two hours during October in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar in view of the festive season beginning October 11.

GUIDELINES FOR FUNCTIONS

1. It is mandatory to obtain permission from the BMC or local authority.
2. Persons with Covid symptoms will not be allowed to wedding venues or halls or funerals.
3. Elderly, pregnant women or children below 10 year of age or people with comorbities have been advised against attending such events.
4. The hosts shall ensure thermal screening of all participants at the entrance and provide hand sanitisation or washing facililties at the venue.
5. Physical distancing of at least 6-ft to be maintained at all times among the participants. The sitting and dining arrangements shall have to be followed accordingly.
6. Use of facemask is a must during the function except at the time of eating! The police and BMC enforcement squads will ensure adherence to the guidelines, added the notification.