Bhubaneswar: Celebration of Holi and related rituals in any public place including public roads has been prohibited in the State.
“Holi and its related rituals shall not be observed in public places throughout the State,” reads the Covid-19 guidelines for the month of March issued by the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) on February 28.
However, the guidelines add, “People may celebrate ‘Holi’ with family members in their houses only and not in any public places including public roads.”
Further, Collectors and Municipal Commissioners have been given the discretion to impose any further restrictions as is desirable in consideration of local situations.
According to the guidelines, during the celebration of “Dola Pumima”, people shall have to ensure Covid Appropriate Behaviour such as physical distancing, use of face mask/ covering and handwashing/ hand sanitiser.
While religious rituals are allowed with strict adherence of Covid-19 protocols, Collectors and Municipal Commissioners have been empowered to impose appropriate restrictions if required in “Dola Melans”.
