BeMC Guidelines for Dussera Restrict Idol Size At Four Feet; No Dandia Night Celebrations in Silk City

Berhampur: The Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) has issued guidelines for the ensuing Durga Puja Celebrations under its jurisdiction.

According to the guidelines issued on Monday, congregation for celebration of Durga puja and cultural gatherings shall not be allowed in public within BeMC area.

The decision has been taken in view of the chances that the congregations will attract large crowd and it will not be possible to adhere to COVID appropriate behavior. Large gatherings have a potential to cause spread of the virus.

The guidelines restrict the Idol size at Durga Puja pandals at less than 4 feet. Also, not more than five persons are allowed inside the pandal at a time. The guidelines also put restrictions on organization of Navratri Dandia Night Celebrations in the city.

The BeMC guidelines conform to the State Government Guidelines issued on 30th September prohibiting all social, cultural and religious gatherings. Religious rituals in temples of worship will continue as usual with limited number of persons with strict adherence to Covid protocols. The citizens are allowed to observe the said Pujas and festivals in their premises without causing any congregation at any place and maintaining all safety protocols, such as social distancing, wearing masks, proper sanitisation, etc. The Puja Committees/organisers/within BeMC area are allowed to conduct Puja in mandaps/pandals as per the following instructions:

• Puja(s) shall be conducted in indoor-like condition only for observance of rituals without public participation, pomp and grandeur.
• Puja Pandals/ Mandaps shall be covered on three sides. The 4th side shall also be covered in a way not to allow any public view of the idols. There shall be no darshan by public/devotees.
• The size of idol shall be less than 4 feet.
• There shall be no use cf public address system.
• At any given point of time, there shall not be more than organisers (Kartas) and priests and support staff present 5 persons including in the Puja Pandals/Mandap.
• The persons present at Puja Pandal/ Mandap shall follow all Covid protocols of social distancing, mask, personal hygiene and sanitation issued by Central and State Government, and Local Administration in letter and spirit.
• There shall be no immersion procession. The idols will be immersed in artificial pond(s) created by the local administration for the purpose.
• There shall be no religious procession of any kind of any religious community.
• No community feast associated with any puja/ festival during the period shall be allowed.
• The organisers/ Puja committee members having 2nd dose vaccination certificate/ RT-PCR negative report are allowed for rituals. Also, it is mandatory to submit 2nd dose vaccination certificate of Organisers while applying for permission.
• With a view to protecting the health of general public and to curb the spread of infection, sale and use of fire crackers shall remain prohibited during this festival month.
• Necessary NOC from SDM Berhampur, Police authority, Fire Department and TPSODL should be submitted fr granting permission.
• In addition to the above guidelines, the guidelines issued by the SRC, Government of Odisha dated 9.8.2021 should be strictly followed.
• For any other deviation in above guidelines, Puja Committee Members will be held completely responsible.
• Nabaratri Dandia night celebrations will not be allowed at any places within BeMC area. Penal and legal actions will be taken against the organizers and owners of the land/ building.

Any person violating these measures will be liable to be proceeded against in accordance with the provisions of Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 and Regulations issued there under besides legal action under Sectionl88 of the IPC and other legal provisions as applicable.

Speaking on the restrictions imposed for the celebration of Dussera and Durga Puja, BeMC Commissioner Dr. Siddeshwar Baliram Bondar told Newroomodisha.com, “Till now we have been successful in the fight against Covid-19. Some more determination during the Dussera and the following days will help us in stopping the spread of the virus. We don’t want to take any chances. We have seen in many states how congregations led to rise in Covid numbers. We request the support of everyone in this fight against Covid.”