Odisha govt prohibits Chhat Puja, mass bathing

Bhubaneswar: Chhat Puja, along with mass bathing at river banks across Odisha has been banned this year in view of Coronavirus pandemic.

However, the state government advised the devotees to perform the rituals at home adhering to the Covid 19 safety protocols.

Chhat puja including mass bathing at river banks/ ghats shall remain prohibited during November 20 and November 21, 2020.

A notification in this regard was issued by the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) on Monday.

“People are advised to perform other rituals at home avoiding mass gatherings and adhering to the Covid 19 safety protocols such as physical distancing, use of face mask/ covering and hand washing/ hand sanitizer,” the notification said.

Any person found violating the government order would be punished under the provision of Disaster Management Act-2005 and other relevant laws, it added.

The main ritual of Chhat puja includes mass bathing and offering puja to the Sun God at river banks and ghats early in the morning.