Yes To Puja, No To Congregations; Odisha SRC Issues Guidelines

Bhubaneswar: While giving the go-ahead to all pujas during this festive season, the Odisha government on Monday issued guidelines, prohibiting congregation of people due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Special Relief Commissioner, in a notification, said that Ganesh Puja, Durga Puja, Laxmi Puja and Kali Puja will be held with strict adherence to the safety protocols. 

Ganesh Puja has been allowed in educational institutions with limited participation.

People can observe pujas/ festivals on their premises without causing any congregation at any place by maintaining social distancing, wearing masks and proper sanitisation, it said.

THE GUIDELINES

>> For conducting Puja in pandals/mandaps, the organizers will have to apply to and obtain the necessary permission from the District Magistrate or any other officer authorised by him/her. For areas under the Twin City Commissionerate of Police, the permission will be granted by the Commissioner of Police or any other officer authorised by him/her.

>> Puja(s) will be conducted in indoor-like conditions only for observance of rituals without public participation, pomp and grandeur.

>> Puja pandals/mandaps will be covered on three sides. The 4th side will also be covered in a way not to allow any public view of the idols. There will be no darshan by public devotees.

>> The idol size should be less than 4 feet.

>> There will be a ban on the use of public address systems.

>> At any given point of time, not more than 7 persons, including organisers (Kartas) and priests and support staff, will remain present at the pandal/mandap.

>> The persons present at pandal/mandap have to follow all COVID protocols of social distancing, mask usage, personal hygiene and sanitation

>> The organizers and other persons involved in conducting the Puja have to abide by any other condition(s) as imposed by the local administration/appropriate authority.

>> There will be no immersion procession. The idols will be immersed in artificial pond(s) created by the local administration for the purpose.

>> There will be no religious procession of any kind of any religious community.

>> There will be no musical or any other entertainment programme.

>> No community feast associated with any puja/ festival during the period will be allowed.