Bhubaneswar: Odisha Government has issued restrictions on the celebration of Makar Sankranti and Pongal in the State on January 14 to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
As per an order issued by the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner on Monday, the following restrictions have been issued on the celebration.
i.) Congregations at river banks/ghats/ponds/seashore or near other water bodies to take bath on the occasion of Makar Sankranti or Pongal and on the day following shall remain prohibited throughout the State.
ii.) Organisation/celebration of Makar Mela is strictly prohibited.
iii.) All religious places/places of worship shall be closed for the public on Makar Sankranti/Pongal/Makar Mela day(s). However religious rituals are allowed with bare minimum priests/servitors and staff.
iv.) Religious congregations/celebrations are strictly prohibited.
People have been advised to perform the rituals or puja on the occasion at home with family members only avoiding mass gatherings and adhering to the Covid-19 safety protocols such as physical distancing, use of face mask/covering, and handwashing/hand sanitizer.
All the District Magistrates, Municipal Commissioners, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner, and Superintendents of Police have been asked to strictly enforce the above guidelines.
Any person found violating the order shall be punished under the provision of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and other relevant laws, the order added.
