Keonjhar/ Rayagada: Amid a rapid resurge in cases of Covid-19, tight restrictions have been issued for the Chaiti Parba at several Shakti shrines in the State.
Keonjhar district administration has banned public darshan at Goddess Tarini Temple in Ghatgaon on April 13 and 14 on Chaiti Parba and Pana Sankranti. The decision has been taken by the administration anticipating heavy footfall at the shrine on the festive occasion.
The administration, which issued some fresh guidelines for the famous Chaiti Parba of the Goddess, stated that the devotees would be allowed darshan from April 9 to 12 and after April 14.
“Public darshan on April 13 (Tuesday) and 14 (Pana Sankranti) will remain restricted,” an official order read. However, all rituals will be performed with the servitors in strict adherence to Covid protocols, it said.
Devotees will not be allowed to offer ‘Bhoga’ at the famous site. All the shops selling puja materials for offerings will remain closed during ‘Chaiti Parba’.
Similarly, distribution of ‘Panaa’ and Anna Prasad has been restricted this year. All the rituals and special Puja of the Goddess will be telecast on social media, the administration stated through a statement.
These apart, no cultural programmes will be allowed to perform on the occasion.
On the other hand, Rayagada district administration has banned the public darshan of Maa Majhighariani from April 23 to 27 during Chaiti Parba.
Devotees will be barred from darshan three days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday) in a week till further order, the administration stated.
However, all rituals inside the shrine will be performed as usual with strict adherence to covid guidelines.
Notably, Chaiti Parba is a famous festival of Goddess Tarini in Keonjhar and Majhi Ghariani in Rayagada. The festival attracts lakhs of devotees from across the districts and outside.