BMC Releases Guidelines For Makar Sankranti & Pongal Celebrations In Odisha Capital

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has released strict guidelines for Makar Sankranti and Pongal celebrations in the Capital city of Odisha in view of the rising Covid-19 cases.

As per a BMC release, congregations at river banks, ghats, ponds and other water bodies to take bath on the occasion of Makar Sankranti / Pongal are prohibited up to January 16. 

The BMC has also strictly prohibited organisation of Makar Mela/ Meena bazaar etc. "All religious places/places of worship shall not allow public till 16.01.2022 inside their premises for offering Puja/Darshan on account of Makar Sankranti/Makar Mela/Pongal," said the BMC. 

However, the usual rituals in the religious institutions can be conducted with bare minimum priests/servitors who are fully vaccinated.

Besides, religious congregations and celebrations are also prohibited till January 16, 2022.

Earlier in the day, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) had earlier released a set of restrictions that will be promulgated across Odisha to check congregations during Makar Sankranti and Pongal.

The SRC, in an order, urged people to perform the rituals/ puja on the occasion of Makar Sankranti/Pongal 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 hand washing.

All religious places/ places of worship will remain closed for public on Makar Sankranti/ Pongal/ Makal Mela day(s). However religious rituals are allowed with bare minimum priests/ servitors and staff, the order stated.