COVID-19 Shadow On Holi In Bhubaneswar: BMC Allows Maximum 10 Chariots During ‘Dola Melana’

Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Saturday capped the congregation of chariots at 10 during ‘Dola Melana’ at any public ground in the city limits in view of COVID-19 resurgence.

Speaking to media persons, BMC commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhury said the organisers of the function must seek prior permission from the municipality mentioning how many chariots will congregate. If it is more than 10 chariots, they have to hold the congregation phase-wise, he added.

On the chariots of the deities moving from door-to-door, Chaudhury said maximum 4-5 people can accompany each chariot. The organisers have to inform the BMC beforehand take permission mentioning the details of timing and place of daily visit.

Stating that there is no restriction on people celebrating Holi, he said any kind of function on the occasion that will invite public gathering is prohibited. There is also restriction on opening the shops during Holi or selling the colours for the festival.

However, he said in all types of functions and celebrations, people must follow the COVID-19 guidelines like wearing masks and maintaing social distancing.