Odisha Govt Imposes Restrictions On Chhat Puja Celebrations

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has imposed restrictions on Chhat Puja celebrations, including mass bathing at river banks and ghats, on November 20-21 due to COVID-19 pandemic.

“Since a large number of people congregate at river banks for taking holy bath and performing the puja, the celebration of the festival has a large potential for spread of COVID-19 infections,” the order issued by the office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) said on Monday.

It further said that the state is passing through a critical stage of the pandemic and it is necessary to strictly adhere to all the safety protocols to contain the spread of the virus.

“People are advised to perform other rituals in their respective houses avoiding mass gatherings and adhering to the COVID-19 safety protocols such as physical distancing, mask wearing and hand washing,” it added.

Those found violating the order will be punished under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and other relevant laws, the SRC cautioned.