Puri: To prevent air pollution caused by the smoke emanating from the burning of the jute sticks, the Puri administration has urged people to only observe ‘Paya Shraddha’ and return home without lighting Kaunriya Kathis in front of Singhadwar of Jagannath Temple during Diwali this year.
“As there is a possibility of huge smoke due to burning of Kaunriya Kathi, the ritual has been completely banned this year to prevent worsening of the pandemic situation. Therefore, we urge the people to perform rituals at their home, if possible,” said Puri Sub-Collector Bhabataran Sahu.
Meanwhile, the administration has relocated and marked a place about 150 metres outside the 12th-century shrine, which closed for devotee since March 20, to facilitate the observance of ‘Badabadua Daka’ and ‘Paya Shraddha’.
Every year, hundreds of devotee throng Puri on Diwali Amavasya to pay obeisance to their ancestors by lighting jute sticks. The invocation process involves the chanting of prayer “Badabadua ho, andhaare aasa, aalua re jaa! (Oh hon’ble ancestors, come in darkness and go back along the lighted path!)”.
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