Bhubaneswar: There was no Midnight Mass at churches across Odisha on Friday night as the state ushered in Christmas.
Masses were held on Friday afternoon and evening at churches following COVID-19 and Omicron restrictions imposed by the state government.
Security was stepped up in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar for Christmas celebrations. Masses at churches followed time restrictions imposed by local authorities and cap on number of people allowed at gatherings.
The Odisha government on Friday announced fresh restrictions for Christmas and New Year celebrations in the state. The restrictions will be in force on December 25 and again from December 31 to January 2 in view of a fast-spreading Omicron.
Following the announcement, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) also announced restrictions on these dates.
