Maha Shivaratri: Odisha restricts congregations, Melas in temples

Bhubaneswar: In view of the spike in COVID-19 cases in different states across the country, the Odisha government on Tuesday restricted any kind of congregation on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri on March 11.

In a letter to district Collectors and Municipal Commissioners, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) directed them to restrict congregations, gatherings to such number as may be felt appropriate in view of the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic situation considering local situations, circulation space availing within temples and its premises to enter strictly adhering to the Covid-19 safety protocols.

 “Mela, congregations outside/within the temple premises may also be reasonably restricted so as to avoid mass gathering/ crowding,” the SRC said.

“Any person found violating this order shall be punishable under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and other relevant laws,” the official cautioned.