Chatrapur: In the wake of rising number of COVID-19 cases in the State, the Ganjam district administration today urged the people not to celebrate the ‘Meru Yatra’ this year.
In Ganjam district, the famous annual festival is observed on the day of Mahabishuva Sankranti or Pana Sankrati in Odia month of Chaitra. This year, the festival falls on April 13.
In order to prevent huge gatherings at various temples, the district administration has decided not to allow people in celebrating the festival tomorrow.
In a video message, Ganjam Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange appealed to the people to refrain from celebrating the festival this year and cooperate the administration in its fight against COVID-19.
No temple shall be opened for the devotees, he said while adding that the rituals will be performed by the priests.
The Collector once again appealed to the people to sincerely observe the lockdown to contain the spread of the COVID-19.
Stringent action will be taken against those violating the lockdown, he insisted.
Earlier, the district administration had imposed restrictions on Danda Nacha, a religious folk dance and Chaitra Yatra at Taratarini Temple for enforcing the COVID-19 social distancing norms.