Balangir Imposes Strict Restrictions on Ganesh Puja, Nuakhai Celebrations

Balangir: In view of COVID-19 pandemic, the Balangir district administration has imposed strict restrictions on the celebrations of Ganesh Puja and Nuakhai festival in the district this year.

Keeping in view the spread of COVID-19 in the district and the ensuing festivities like Ganesh Puja and Nuakhai, there is need to take preventive and containment measures to arrest further spreading of the disease, Balangir Collector Arindam Dakua said in an order.

The district administration has imposed the following restrictions during the period from 21.08.2020 to 24.08.2020 in the eve of Ganesh Puja and Nuakhai Festival in the entire District of Balangir.

1. There shall be no social gathering like organization of either religious or cultural programmes, and assembly during the period.

2. All the Schools, Colleges and Educational Institutions shall remain closed til 31.08.2020 as per the restrictions imposed by the Government of Odisha vide order issued by the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner, Odisha referred to above. Hence, Ganesh Puja shall not be held in the Educational Institutions.

3. No such Puja shall also be held in public places during the occasion. Individuals may celebrate the Ganesh Puja at their Homes amongst their family members by maintaining social distance. Further, no emersion procession shall also be allowed during the occasion.

4. Similarly, no public celebration/community celebration for Nuakhai is allowed and the members of the family may celebrate the Nuakhai Festival within their homes by maintaining social distance.

5. No community feast, Cultural Programme either in the eve of Nuakhai Bhet Ghat or Chhad Khai (Day following Nuakhai) shall be allowed.

6. Public gathering of more than seven persons shall be restricted during the aforesaid period.

Any violation in this regard shall be viewed seriously and the violators will be prosecuted as per law, the order said.