Cuttack: The Cuttack administration has allowed puja committees of the Silver City to celebrate Durga Puja amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The go-ahead, however, comes with a rider.
Cuttack collector Bhabani Shankar Chayani told the media that the members of the 155 puja committees in the city have been asked to hold the puja without devotees.
“The puja committees have been asked to perform the rituals at their respective mandaps in the manner in which idols are worshipped in temples and not allow any congregation of devotees,” he said.
Under no circumstances, public gathering or celebrations would be allowed outside, he said, adding that the committees have asked to strictly adhere to social distancing guidelines.
The collector further said that there is no restriction on idol making.
On Tuesday, Balu Bazaar Puja Committee had filed public interest litigation in the High Court seeking permission to hold the Durga Puja in the city this year.
The committee, while praying the court to direct the state government to allow the festival, assured that the festival will be held strictly adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines.
It also contended that the state government which had allowed the Rath Yatra in Puri this year amid COVID-19 pandemic should also give permission to hold the Durga Puja in Cuttack keeping in view the 500-year tradition.
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