Puri: In order to restrict people from lighting Kaunriya Kathi around Srimandir in Puri on Diwali today, the district administration has imposed Section 144 around the temple. The prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC has been clamped around Srimandir from 4 am today and will remain effective till midnight.
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).
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.
It is pertinent to mention here that, the district administration had imposed section-144 last year too in the view of COVID19.
Ms Kalinga