Modalities Fixed For Reopening Of 18,000 Temples In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Acting on the High Court’s directive, the Endowment Commission has fixed modalities for the reopening of about 18,000 temples in Odisha and submitted it to the state government.

Endowment Commissioner Chittaranjan Mohapatra said that considering the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no large congregation of devotees in temples. Also, temple authorities will be asked to ensure proper social distancing among devotees, keep sanitizers at the entrance gate and sanitize the temple premises at regular intervals.

“Devotees will be allowed darshan of the deities but there will be no major religious functions. The Commission has recommended the aforesaid proposals to the state government which will take a final call,” he added.