With just two days before Mahashivratri, the Odisha government has issued an important instruction regarding the celebration of the much-awaited festival dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The State Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) on Friday wrote to the administrators of all districts directing them to issue restrictions at their level on public gatherings at temples and places of worship as they deem proper in view of the prevailing pandemic situation.
The SRC has stated that while allowing for celebration of the Mahasivaratri and its related rituals, the Collectors/Municipal Commissioners may restrict congregations/gatherings to such number as may be felt appropriate in view of the prevailing pandemic situation.
While deciding on the restrictions, the district authorities have been asked to consider local situations/space available within temples and their premises to enter into/gather in places of worship for strict adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols.
'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 SRC directive said.
The SRC has further instructed that mela/congregations outside/within the temple premises may be restricted by the district administration as needed so as to avoid mass gatherings/ crowding.
Devotees at such places must ensure Covid-19 safety protocols such as wearing of face masks, physical distancing and hand washing/hand sanitizer.
Mahashivratri, one of the largest and most significant among the sacred Hindu festivals, will be celebrated this year on March 1, 2022. During the occasion, people usually throng Shiva shrines and other temples to worship Shivlinga and observe it by fasting and meditation all night long.
With Covid cases witnessing major decline in Odisha in the last few days, public expectancy on allowance of relaxations to celebrate the festival has increased markedly. Notably, the State government has had restricted Mahashivratri celebrations in the last two years in the wake of Covid outbreak.