BMC Prohibits Paya Shraddha, Pinda Dana & Chhat Puja On Diwali In Public Places Of Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has prohibited the rituals of ‘Paya Shraddha’, ‘Pinda Dana’ and ‘Chhat Puja’ at the banks of water sources in the city on the occasion of Diwali on Thursday.

In an official order on Tuesday, the BMC said as per normal practice, large number of people gather on the banks of Bindu Sagar and in front of Sindhadwar of Lingaraj temple in the city to offer Paya Shraddha, Pinda Dana on Dipavali day.

As the state government has imposed restrictions on large congregation in order to prevent spread of COVID-19 and ensure public safety, the rituals are prohibited in the above locations as well as other places under the jurisdiction of the BMC, the notification stated.

Similarly, Chhat Puja, which is performed near water bodies, is prohibited anywhere in the city on the day, the BMC said.