In a major relief to millions of religious Indians who wish to cremate the mortal remains of their near and dear ones at the holy Swargadwar in Puri, the district administration has decided to reopen the cremation ground on the golden beaches from August 16.
Cremation of bodies from outside the district has been allowed at Swargadwar with a maximum of 10 people’s participation during last rites of the departed.
Among the other guidelines for performing the last rites, Covid negative proof has been made mandatory for permission to enter the venue and consign the remains to fire.
With the persistent decline in Covid cases in the State the administration has also allowed cremation during weekend shutdowns too.
Earlier in April, the cremation of bodies from outside the district at Swargadwar was banned following resurgence in Covid cases. Similar restrictions were also imposed on the immersion of ashes ‘Asthi Visarjan, in Mahodadhi (Bay of Bengal near Swargadwar).
In May 2021, the Swargadwar was given a state-of-the-art makeover to equip it with all modern amenities required for cremation of bodies.