Berhampur: The Ganjam District Administration has restricted the number of participants for 'Dandanacha' to 25 only while completely banning any sort of cultural programmes at night.
The decision was taken due to a surge in the Covid-19 cases across the State. The development was shared by the district administration through its twitter account.
Similarly, Mundan (head tonsure ritual) will not be allowed at famous Tara Tarini temple in the district and nearby hills as devotees throng to the shrine very Tuesday during the ongoing month of Chaitra to offer prayers.
The devotees and servitors have been asked to adhere to strict covid protocols. Shopkeepers have also been asked to follow 'Panchsutra' guidelines for social distancing.
Danda Nacha is a significant traditional dance festival which is performed by a troupe. The members perform the dance as a part of their 21-day rituals for penance. This form of dance is widely organised in southern Odisha especially Ganjam district.
The Danda begins 13, 18 or 21 days before the Maha Vishuba Sankrati. Only male persons participate in the festival while leading a very pious life during these days.