Restrictions on Christmas 2021, New Year 2022 celebrations in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: In view of rise in Omicron cases, the Odisha government banned Christmas and New Year celebrations in the state with effect from December 25, 2021 till January 2, 2022.

The Odisha government today issued a set of fresh guidelines keeping in mind the Christmas 2021 and New Year 2022 celebrations.

Christmas celebration will be limited to churches with a maximum 50 persons joining the mass by strictly following COVID protocols and in terms of specific conditions as imposed by collectors, municipal commissioners and local authorities while permitting such mass, if any.

Zero Night celebration in hotels, clubs, restaurants, parks, convention halls, kalyan mandaps has been completely banned across the State.

However, the restrictions will not be imposed on marriage and funeral related events.

“No celebration other than marriage (but not receptions and ancillary functions) is allowed across the State. No community feast is also allowed. No social gathering, rallies, orchestras, dances and other cultural programmes shall be permitted,” read the order.

Funeral rites are allowed with due Covid-19 protocols.

As per the order, there will be strict vigilance on crowding and congregation at public places during the above occasions.

No community feast, social gathering, rallies, orchestras, dances and other cultural programmes will be permitted across the State, the order stated.

The authorities may impose any additional restrictions if necessary in the interest of containment of spread of COVID-19.

Any person violating the restrictions will be liable to be proceeded against as per provisions of Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and COVID-19 Regulations 2000.