Odisha: Lingaraj Temple To Host Maha Shivratri Amid COVID Norms; Know Curbs

Bhubaneswar: The Maha Shivratri festival at Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar will be held on March 11 with strict adherence to COVID-19 guidelines.

This was decided at a preparatory meeting at the office of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) on Monday. Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner, Prem Chandra Chaudhari was also present at the meeting,

Chaudhari informed that it was decided not to allow those above 60 years and younger than 10 years into the temple for darshan.

Besides, no devotees will be allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine. However, they will be allowed to see the rituals of the Lord at the Adakatha (outside the sanctum sanctorum). There will be barricades to ensure social distancing as per COVID norms, he said.

Keeping the rise in temperature, the BMC Commissioner said arrangements will be made to provide shade and drinking water to the devotees inside the temple.