Dussehra festivities are just days away. And for the second consecutive year, the fears of muted celebrations have come true. After imposing the 4-ft cap on idol height, the SRC recently issued revised night curfew guidelines for Durga Puja celebrations in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, which is seen as a double blow to the denizens.
As per the latest orders, the twin city will have an extended night curfew from 8PM to 5AM for 10 days from October 11 to October 20. The decision was made keeping in view the health of the public and also to prevent large gatherings during the festivities.
Final arrangements for Durga Puja are afoot, but celebrations would be a low-key affair this year because of the pandemic crisis. And the curfew order has made sure the twin city will not bustle with revelers during the peak festive period. If not anything, businesses will be severely hit as shops have been asked to down the shutters by 8PM.
While announcing Covid guidelines for the month of October, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Jena said that large gatherings and laxity during festivals could make situation worse in Odisha. "In these two cities (Bhubaneswar & Cuttack), night curfew will be imposed from 8PM to 5AM for a period of 10 days from October 11 to October 20," said SRC.
However, night curfew in other urban areas will remain in force as usual from 10PM to 5AM.
Because of restrictions in idol height, organizers are focusing on smaller idols which are eco-friendly. This apart, like last year, the Puja Committee members might switch to live-streaming of rituals and other events at the puja pandals from October 11 to 15. Meanwhile, the government has also prohibited sale and use of firecrackers during upcoming festivals.
Video Editor: Surendra Pradhan
Producer: Diptyranjita Patra