Diwali 2021: Puri admin bans lighting of Kaunriya Kathi at Singhadwar of Srimandir

Puri: The burning of Kaunriya Kathi in front of Puri Srimandir’s Singhadwar has been banned during this Diwali. The district administration will impose Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) around Srimandir, informed sub-collector Bhabatarana Sahu.

The administration has decided to ban this ritual as it causes noticeable amount of air pollution which might lead to the increase in Covid infection especially in those affected with the virus. The sub-collector Sahu has informed about this decision and requested people to adhere by it.

Every year, Puri witnesses a huge gathering on the day of Diwali as people observe ‘Badabadua Daka’ to pay obeisance to their ancestors. Hundreds of people gather around Srimandir on the evening of Diwali and perform Paya Sradha and light Kaunriya Kathi. The people offer the sticks to their ancestors on the Diwali evening and chant, “Bada badiya ho, andhara re asa, aloka re jao” (Ancestors, come in darkness and go back along the lighted path).

It is to be noted that last year also the lighting Kaunriya Kathis in front of Singhadwar of Jagannath Temple was banned due to Covid rate of infection.

Also read: Watch viral video: Cop rides motorcycle into Shri Gundicha Temple in Puri