Bhubaneswar: The state government on Tuesday issued COVID guidelines for celebration of Pongal and Makar Sankranti apprehending large congregation of people near waterbodies to celebrate the annual festival.
The harvest festival is celebrated for three days and begins on January 14 this year.
The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) stated in the guidelines that, “The state is now passing through a critical stage of COVID-19 pandemic due to resurgence of COVID-19 in some parts of the State and it is necessary to strictly adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols for containment of spread of the infection.”
The guidelines and restrictions are as follows:
- Congregations at river banks/ ghats/ ponds/ sea shore or near other water bodies to ta
ke bath on the occasion of Makar Sankranti/ Pongal and on the day following shall remain prohibited throughout the state. - Organisation / celebration of Makar Mela is strictly prohibited.
- All religious places/ places of worship shall be closed for public on Makar Sankranti/ Pongal/ Makal Mela day(s). However religious rituals are allowed with bare minimum priests/ servitors and staff.
- Religious congregations/ celebrations are strictly prohibited.
- People are advised to perform the rituals/ puja on the occasion of Makar Sankranti/ Pongal at home with family members only, avoiding mass gatherings and adhering to the COVID-19 safety protocols such as physical distancing, use of face mask/ covering and hand washing/ hand sanitizer.
- All District Magistrates/ Municipal Commissioners/ Commissioner of Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack/ Superintendents of Police have been directed to strictly enforce the above guidelines.
People gather in large numbers to light bonfires on the first day which is celebrated as bhogi while the second day Makar Sankranti is dedicated to Sun God (transition day of Sun into the Makar rashi).