Puri: To discourage people from lighting Kaunriya Kathi (jute sticks) near Jagannath Temple on Diwali, the puri administration has decided to impose tight restrictions around the 12th-century shrine.
While the temple will remain shut on the day, people have been urged to refrain from gathering near it to offer ‘paya shraddha’ and burn ‘kaunriya kathi’ on the occasion.
“Burning of Kaunriya Kathi in front of Singhadwar during Diwali is not permitted. Section 144 will be imposed around Srimandir,” sub-collector Bhabatarana Sahu informed on Monday.
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!)”.
This is the second year when restrictions have been imposed on the ritual as huge smoke due to the burning of ‘Kaunriya Kathi’ can worsen the pandemic situation.
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