Bhubaneswar: After the marked surge in Covid cases in Odisha the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has issued a detailed guideline which has banned religious congregations in the month of April.
The State Government via a special order has specifically directed that large gatherings, congregations shall continue to be prohibited.
Social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural and religious functions and other gatherings shall be allowed with a ceiling of 500 persons subject to strict adherence to the Covid safety protocols.
Local restrictions have been imposed on public observance of festivals and limit or do away with mass gatherings in festivals such as Holi, Shab-e-Barat, Bihu, Easter, Eid-ul-Fitr, Good Friday, Easter, Pana Sankranti, Jhamu Yatra, Danda Yatra and Sriram Navami.
“Considering local conditions, Collectors and Municipal Commissioners may impose appropriate restrictions on entry of devotees into churches/ temples/ religious places/ places of worship and in the celebrations in churches/ temples/ religious places/ places of worship, Collectors/ Municipal Commissioners may decide the number of persons to attend any such religious ritual / festival/ in their respective jurisdictions with strict adherence to Covid appropriate behaviour and norms”, read the guidelines issued by SRC.
Any person found violating this order shall be punished Disaster Management Act, 2005 and other relevant laws emphasized the circular.
Ms Kalinga