Bhubaneswar: A congregation of not more than 60 people will be allowed during ‘Dola Melana’ and only six can participate in the idol immersion ceremony in the Odisha capital.
The additional curbs also include a complete ban on the immersion procession of idols.
The Restrictions:
>> Maximum six persons will be allowed during Dola Jatra. However, there will be no procession and playing of sound instruments, which are likely to attract the attention of the public and will cause a congregation. The persons carrying the idol need to wear a face mask appropriately as far as practicable.
>> The organisers will ensure a congregation of a maximum of 50 to 60 people at any point of time at the Dola Melana Padia with strict adherence to COVID-19 appropriate behaviour like maintenance of social distancing of six feet among two people and wearing of face mask. There will be no Jatra/Orchestra/Meena Bazar or any kind of celebrations at the Dola Melana Padia.
>> The organisers have to seek special permission from BMC for Melana padia (the ground for mass rituals)
>> The religious rituals may be performed inside the temple with adherence to COVID appropriate behaviour. However, no devotees are allowed inside the temple.
In view of COVID-19 resurgence, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) had earlier capped the congregation of chariots at 10 at any public ground in the city limits.
There already exists a ban on the public celebration of Holi.
These assume significance against the backdrop of rising COVID-19 cases in Bhubaneswar, where around 15 people have tested positive for the virus for three days in a row.
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