Odisha Government has prohibited Mass Celebration of one of the most popular Chhath Puja on Friday and Saturday, including bathing at river banks, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy on Monday has issued the orders, which say that since a large number of people congregate near the river banks in keeping with the rituals, celebration of the festival has huge potential for spread of COVID-19 infections.”People are advised to perform other rituals in their respective houses, avoiding mass gatherings and adhering to the COVID-19 safety protocols such as physical distancing, mask wearing and hand washing,” the Order said.
Persons found violating the order will be punished under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and other relevant laws, the order added