Bhubaneswar: In view of the current Covid wave led by the Omicron variant, the Odisha government has imposed restrictions on the observance of Saraswati Puja and Magha Saptami/Magha Purnima in public places.
The Covid guidelines issued by the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) today, however, says, “Saraswati Puja shall be observed with all rituals in the temples and religious places without participation of devotees. Saraswati Puja will be allowed in Educational Institutions with participation of limited number of students observing Covid Appropriate Behaviour. However, no Saraswati Puja will be allowed to be celebrated in public places other than in schools and educational institutions”.
People are advised to perform the rituals/puja on the occasion of Saraswati Puja 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 sanitiser, the guidelines added.
The guidelines state that no community feast associated with puja/festivals during the period shall be allowed.
There shall be no musical or any other entertainment programme on the occasion of Saraswati Puja, the guidelines added.
Further, large Congregations at river banks/ghats/ponds/seashore or near other waterbodies to take bath on the occasion of Magha Saptami/ Magha Purnima and on the day following shall remain prohibited throughout the State.
However, the rituals on Magha Mela/ Magha Saptami are allowed inside the temple without participation of devotees. Religious congregations/ celebrations are strictly prohibited.
According to the guidelines issued by the SRC’s office, considering local conditions, District Magistrates/ Municipal Commissioners/ Police Commissioner, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack may impose appropriate restrictions on the entry of devotees into churches/ temples/ mosques/ religious places/ places of worship and in the celebrations in churches/ temples/mosques/ religious places/places of worship.
Collectors/ Municipal Commissioners may decide the number of persons to attend any religious ritual/ festival/Puja in their respective jurisdictions with strict adherence to Covid appropriate behaviour and norms, the guidelines added.
