Puri: In view of the sudden surge in coronavirus cases in Odisha, Maha Vishuba Sankranti popularly known as Pana Sankranti is being celebrated across the State today in a low-key manner with all Covid-19 restrictions in place.
Devotees are barred from visiting temples at several places in the State apprehending further contamination of the disease. However, all the rituals are being observed at the shrines with limited number of servitors.
As per the order of the district administration, section 144 of IPC has been imposed at the famous Siruli Mahaveer temple in Chandanpur of Puri district. The restrictions have been clamped keeping in view of the heavy rush at the temple on the occasion Pana Sankranti on Wednesday. The prohibitory order will be enforced in the temple from 4 am in the morning of April 14 till the next day.
Earlier yesterday, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) had issued guidelines imposing restrictions on Pana Sankranti celebrations.
The Civic Body has prevented gathering at different religious places. As per the guidelines, residents of Bhubaneswar will not be able to celebrate Pana Sankranti publicly and can’t distribute ‘Pana’ to others.
The rituals of Pana Sankranti can be observed only at shrines and other religious places and the temple priests can conduct the puja within the temple premises. However, participation of common man in the celebration is completely restricted, the guidelines said.
Meanwhile, top leaders from across the country including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took the opportunity to wish people on the occasion of Maha Vishuba Sankranti.
(Edited by Rashmi Ranjan Mohanty)