All the temples and religious institutions in Puri and Sambalpur districts, which had remained out of bounds for the public for over three months, reopened from today for the devotees amid strict adherence to Covid guidelines.
However, the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has not taken any decision regarding the reopening of Srimandir.
The Sambalpur district administration allowed reopening of famous Samaleswari temple along with other shrines and religious institutions across the district from today.
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The decision comes as a great relief for thousands of devotees and servitors who had been waiting with bated breath for the temple to reopen ever since the State government started unlocking the economic activities from June.
However, all the religious places in the Samblpur would remain closed for public on every Monday for sanitisation purpose.
The district administration has barred entry of persons above 65 years and below 10 years into the temple and other religious sites. Similarly, entry of pregnant and persons having co-morbidities has been restricted.
No devotees will be allowed to enter the temple and places of worship with bhoga and puja materials. Everyone has to follow the covid behaviour including social distancing norms, wearing of mask.
Similarly, Puri district administration allowed reopening of temples and religious institutions excluding Sri Jagannath temple from today with all covid guidelines in place.
A letter issued by the district administration stated that all the temple, mutts and religious places would remain open for devotees since 6 am to 8 pm. No outsiders will be allowed to enter Puri town during weekend shutdown.
The sun temple and IOCL Interpretation centre at Konark will remain open for the tourists everyday with strict adherence to covid protocols.
The administration advised persons above 65years of age, co-morbidities, pregnant women and children to avoid visiting religious places.
Odisha government had recently announced new Covid unlock guidelines for the month of August in which it clearly mentioned that district administrations are authorised to decide on reopening of religious places at their respective jurisdiction.