Cuttack: Chhath Puja celebrations on the banks of water bodies, starting November 10, have been banned in Cuttack city in view of the COVID pandemic.
“For public safety and in the apprehension of the spread of the COVID-19, all the ritual celebration of Chhat Puja is hereby prohibited to be held in any public location,” the notification issued by Cuttack Municipal Corporation read.
The civic body advised the people to perform the rituals in their respective houses, avoid mass gatherings and follow COVID Appropriate Behaviour.
“The guidelines issued, on November 1, by Revenue and Disaster Management Department for Diwali, Chhat Puja and Kartik Purnima will be fully applicable for CMC areas,” it added.
On November 1, the state Government issued detailed guidelines on sale and use of firecrackers during the festival of Diwali, Chhat Puja and Kartik Purnima.
Chhath Puja is observed mainly by the people belonging to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. The main ritual includes mass bathing and offering puja to the Sun God at river banks and ghats early in the morning.
Also Read: BMC Prohibits Paya Shraddha, Pinda Dana & Chhat Puja On Diwali In Public Places Of Bhubaneswar
