Cuttack: The Cuttack-Barabati MLA, Mohammed Moquim, on Monday urged Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to relax restrictions on Durga Puja celebrations in the Millennium City.
In his letter to the CM, he has raised objection to the state government’s decision to restrict the size of the idols to four feet and cover the pandals from all sides.
“It is a 50-year-old tradition and of great significance for the Cuttack denizens. It is part of the collective conscience of the people of the city. The idol size and rituals during the puja will have no impact on COVID-19 management. Therefore, I would request you to allow the city denizens to celebrate the festival, keeping with the tradition, by wearing masks and maintaining social distance,” he added.
On September 10, the Odisha government had issued a notification stating that the puja should be conducted in indoor-like condition only for observance of rituals without public participation, pomp and grandeur. The pandal/mandap should be covered on three sides. The fourth side should also be covered in a way to allow no public view of the idols. “There shall be no darshan by public/devotee,” it added.
Also Read: Pujas Allowed But ‘No Darshan’ By Public & Devotees; Odisha Govt Issues Guidelines
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