Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Additional Commissioner Abani Kanta Patnaik has not been granted permission for conducting Sital Sasthi Yatra. He had written to the state government in this regard. This has resulted in dissatisfaction among the servitors.
With the Ministry of Home Affairs further extending the lockdown till May 31, the divine wedding of Lord Lingaraj, slated for May 27 has been cancelled.
Earlier, the administration had to suspend the annual Rukuna Ratha Jatra and Chandan Jatra of Lord Lingaraj, following the COVID-19 lockdown. The guidelines prohibit any kind of religious celebrations, which may invite public participation. All religious institutions like temples, mosques, churches and Gurudwaras have also been closed for public as a precautionary measure in view of the outbreak.