Sec 144 To Be Clamped Near Jagannath Temple In Puri & Cuttack’s Dhabaleswar On Diwali

Puri/Cuttack: Anticipating heavy rush of devotees to the Jagannath temple in Puri and Dhabaleswar temple in Cuttack district, it has been decided to enforce prohibitory orders under Sec 144 in and around the two temples on the day of Diwali.

The prohibitory orders will be effective from 4 am till midnight 12 of November 4 (Thursday).

The Puri district administration has announced to impose Sec 144 at Singhadwara of the Jagannath temple and ban lighting Kaunria Kathi in front at the spot.

“We have taken this decision as thousands of devotees from several districts throng Jagannath temple and light ‘Kaunria Kathi’ in front of Singhadwara on Diwali day. As people offer ‘Paya Shraddha’ to their ancestors on Diwali, mass congregation is anticipated. To avoid crowding as per the COVID-19 guidelines, it has been decided to impose Sec 144,” said Sub-Collector Bhabatarana Sahoo.

Moreover, the restrictions on gathering will also help in checking air pollution level which increases on this day due to burning of crackers, he added. The temple will also be closed for public on the day, he added.

At Dhabaleswar temple, the popular Shaivite site in Cuttack district , too Section 144 will be imposed from 4 am to midnight. Access of common public and devotees into the temple for darshan is banned during this time, said sources in the administration.