Ban On Lighting Of Kaunriya Kathi At Sighadwar In Odisha’s Puri This Diwali

Puri: A blanket ban has been enforced by the Puri Administration on burning of Kaunriya Kathi (sticks) in front of the Sighadwar (front door) of the Jagannath Temple.

It is worth mentioning that people burn these sticks and offer them to their ancestors on the evening of Diwali, and chant, “Bada badiya ho, andhara re asa, aloka re jao” (come ancestors, join us in the dark and leave by light).

The administration has decided to ban this ritual as it causes noticeable amount of air pollution which might lead to the increase in Covid cases and severe infection in those affected with Covid.

Bhabataran Sahu the sub-collector of Puri has informed about this decision and requested people to adhere by it.

Hundreds of people gather in front of Srimandir to light Kaunriya Kathi.