COVID-19 Casts Shadow Over Ganesh Puja In Odisha Districts

Berhampur: It seems relatively impossible to accord a deafening welcome to Lord Ganesh in Odisha this year. After Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Bolangir, Jajpur, Talcher and Gajapati imposed restrictions on public gathering, the Ganjam administration on Tuesday announced that there will be no community-level Ganesh Puja celebrations this year in the district in view of COVID-19 pandemic.

Taking to Twitter, the district administration sought locals’ cooperation and urged them not to leave house unless it is necessary.

“Ganesh Puja celebrations will be not allowed keeping in view the COVID situation. Please cooperate and don’t leave home unless there is an emergency. Your cooperation is important to ensure social distancing and stop further infection. All shopkeepers have to follow PANCHSUTRA strictly,” the tweet read.

There is however no restriction on individuals or family members celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi within their homes.

Earlier, the Commissionerate Police had restricted Ganesh Puja celebrations in the Twin Cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar to avoid religious congregations and contain the virus spread.

“In view of COVID-19 pandemic there are restrictions on large religious congregations. So, no permission has been given to Puja Mandaps to celebrate Ganesh Puja at community level,” the Commissionerate Police had stated while imposing restrictions.

On the other hand, traders' association of Jatni opposed restrictions on community celebration of Ganesh Puja in the Twin City. "Organisers are ready to face legal case if celebrating the puja with adherence to COVID-19 regulations invites such an action," said president of the association.

Not only in the twin-city, the increasing COVID-19 caseload in Jajpur and Gajapati districts have forced the administrations to cancel community celebrations.

On August 17, Gajapati district collector issued a notification prohibiting Ganesh Puja celebrations in public places. Prompt and strict legal action shall be initiated against violator and they shall be prosecuted as per provisions of Disaster Management Act, the notification read.

(Edited By Devbrat Patnaik)

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