Odisha: No congregation during Ganesh Puja, Durga Puja and Kali Puja

Bhubaneswar: In view of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, the Odisha government on Monday that all pujas during the festive season of this year will be held in the state without the congregation of devotees.

The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) prohibited congregation of people for the celebration of Ganesh Puja, Durga Puja, Kali Puja and associated cultural festivals throughout the state.  

However, religious rituals will continue as usual with limited number of persons with strict adherence of Covid norms.

“The citizens are allowed to observe the said Pujas/festivals in their premises without causing any congregration at any place and maintaining all safety protocols, such as social distancing, wearing masks, proper sanitation etc,” said an order.

The puja committees in rural and urban areas are allowed to conduct puja in mandaps and pandals with necessary permission from district magistrate or any other officer authorized by him/her.

In Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, the Commissionerate Police is authorized to give the permission.

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

“Puja pandals/mandaps shall be covered on three sides. The fourth side shall also be covered in a way not to allow any public view of the idols. There shall be no darshan by public/devotees,” read the order.  

The size of the idol shall be less than 4 feet.