Maa Tarini’s ‘Chati Parba’ Starts Amid #COVID-19 Restrictions In Odisha’s Keonjhar

The famous ‘Chaiti Parba’ of Goddess Maa Tarini began today (April 9) at Ghatgaon Tarini Temple in Keonjhar district with strict adherence to Covid19 protocols. In view of the current COVID19 situation, extensive arrangements have been made by the temple and the district administration.  Devotees will be allowed to have darshan of the Goddess only after rituals like Snana (bath), Majana and Sunabesha (golden attire). As per the fresh guidelines issued by the district administration for the famous festival of the Goddess, devotees will be allowed darshan from April 9 to 12 and again post April 14. The darshan timings during this period has been fixed from 7 AM to 12.30 PM and then again from 3.30 PM to 7 PM daily. All rituals will be performed at the temple with strict adherence to the Covid-19 guidelines. However, devotees will not be allowed to offer ‘Bhoga’ or offerings at the temple. In view of the huge footfall that the temple witnesses during the ‘Chaiti Parba’ and ‘Pana Sankranti’ on April 13 and 14 respectively, the district administration has banned public darshan at the temple. All the shops selling puja materials for offerings will remain closed during the ‘Chaiti Parba’. Similarly, distribution of ‘Pana’ and Prasad has been restricted this year. As per an earlier statement of the administration all rituals and special puja of the Goddess will be telecast on social media. Additionally no other cultural programme would be performed during the festival.