Bhubaneswar: The state government has given approval for Mukteswar Dance Festival and Rajarani Music Festival to be organised in adherence to COVID-19 norms this year.
The Mukteswar dance festival will be held from January 14 to 16 and Rajarani Music Festival from January 18 to 20.
The government has laid down strict guidelines for the two festivals to be held in the open theatre on the respective temple premises. As per the norms, the audience will be seated in two galleries. Each of them will sit keeping a distance of at least three metre. Dancers and singers of different states will perform only on the stage.
Besides, the organisers will ensure wearing of masks and use of sanitizer in the festivals. The entire area will be sanitised before the programme every day.
The foreign tourists, who attend the festivals every year, will be missing this year due to the pandemic. However, dance and music lovers can enjoy the live telecast of the festivals on TV.
The festivals will be organised by the State Tourism Department in association with Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy and Odisha Tourism Development Corporation.