Dhenkanal: The world famous Joranda Mela will kick start in Dhenkanal district from February 25 with strict adherence to COVID-19 guidelines.
This was decided at a preparatory meeting chaired by Dhenkanal Collector Bhumesh Chandra Behera on Wednesday.
The three-day festival, which is also known as Prabhu Purnima Utsav, is celebrated during the full moon day of the Hindu month of Magha.
All the rituals will be held at the Joranda Gadi (temple) and Sunya Mandir. The main attraction of the Mela is the Jhada Deepa (sacred lamp).
As per the February guidelines pertaining to COVID-19, a maximum of 500 people will be allowed at a time to witness the rituals.
The district administration has issued a directive for compulsory COVID-19 test of all sadhus and devotees who arrive two days prior to the Mela. These tests will be conducted free of cost, sources said.
However, visitors who arrive at the Mela venue on the morning of February 25 will have to bring a COVID-19 negative report with them, the sources added.
