Dhenkanal: The famous Joranda Mela, held on Magha Purnima, will be organised amid COVID-19 restrictions from February 25 to February 27 this year.
As per a letter issued by the Dhenkanal district administration, general public and sadhus (saints) from outside the district and state will not be allowed to take part in the event.
Only the Sadhus from Dhenkanal district will be allowed to participate in the annual spiritual event, provided they produce a COVID negative report upon arrival at Joranda.
"The spike in COVID cases in some states has forced us to take counter measures so that Dhenkanal does not fall victim to that deadly virus again," read the letter.
It further stated, "Keeping in view of the wellbeing of the public and participating sadhus, it has been decided that the Joranda Mela this year will be organised in a restricted manner with only the local sadhus performing the needed rituals of the Mela."
As far as the guidelines are concerned, only 50 numbers of sadhus wearing face masks will be allowed to enter the temple at a particular time and they will be allowed to remain inside the premises for only 10 minutes. After that, another batch of 50 sadhus will be allowed.
The district Collector has urged the public and sadhus of other districts and states to cooperate and refrain from coming to the Mela for the greater good of humanity.
(Edited By Pradeep Singh)