Vikash Sharma

Bhubaneswar: The grim shadow of COVID-19 was visible on Saturday as Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Odisha were limited to traditional rituals in view of the coronavirus outbreak.

As district administrations denied permission for observance of Ganesh Puja in puja pandals and other public places for public safety, the State witnessed subdued Ganesh Puja celebrations.

Vedic chants, which used to reverberate in schools, were missing as all the educational institutions across the State are now closed in view of COVID-19 pandemic.

As per the instructions of Odisha government, Ganesh Puja are allowed inside residential places with strict observance of COVID-19 guidelines.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan greeted people of the State on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi today.

The entire festivities turned out to be a low key affair in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar as Commissionerate Police imposed restrictions on large religious congregations in view of COVID-19 pandemic.

No permission has been granted to puja pandals to celebrate Ganesh Puja at community level this year. Despite the restrictions, the residents in the twin cities invoked Lord Ganesha by conducting special rituals in their respective homes.

“Lord Ganesh is also called as Vighnaharta and this time we prayed to take all our worries as people across the world are facing lot of hardships due to COVID-19,” said Swati, a resident of Cuttack.

(Edited By Pradeep Singh)

Also Read: COVID19: Odisha Set For Muted Ganesh Puja

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