Bhubaneswar: Amidst the surge of Covid-19 cases in the Twin City, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday issued fresh guidelines for the upcoming Holi and Dola Purnima festivals.
Earlier, the Odisha government on March 19 had issued restrictions on celebration of all kinds of functions related to "Dola Purnima" and Holi Festivals.
The stipulations/restrictions mentioned in the official notification issued by the State government on Monday will be applicable fully across Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation limits.
As per the fresh notification issued by the BMC, additional curbs have been prescribed for strict adherence by all stake holders to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Here are the additional restrictions issued by BMC:
- During the celebration of Dola Jatra for carrying the idol, maximum six persons are allowed. However there shall be no procession and playing of sound instruments which are likely to attract the attention of public and will cause congregation.
-The persons carrying idol need to wear face mask appropriately as far as practicable
-The organizers will ensure that maximum 50 to 60 person are present at any point of time at the Dola Melan Padia with strict adherence of COVID appropriate behaviour like maintenance of social distancing of six feet among two person and wearing of face mask.
-There shall be no Jatra/Orchestra/Meena Bazar or any kind of celebrations in the Dola Melan
-The organizers shall have to obtain written permissions from BMC to conduct the functions with above stipulations.
For obtaining permissions, the following details are to be submitted;
-Details of Organizers including Place of function
-No of idols proposed for the Dola Melan Padia
- No of Devotees expected to attend at the Dola Melan Padia
- The religious rituals may be performed inside the temple with adherence to COVID appropriate behaviour. However no devotees are allowed inside the temple.