COVID Noose Tightens: No Public Holi Celebration In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the last few days saw Odisha government reverting to restriction mode on Friday. After clamping 2020 guidelines on its offices, the government put a blanket ban on public celebration of Holi on Friday.

An order of office of Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) said, “Holi on March 28 and 29 and their related rituals shall not be observed in public places throughout the state.”

Keeping the sentiment of the people regarding the festival, the SRC said  they may celebrate with family members in their houses only. But the rider read “not in any public places including public roads.”

The government’s defensive actions further put the responsibility on district collectors and municipal commissioners to impose more restrictions as desirable in consideration of local situations.