Low Key Durga Puja Celebration In Odisha’s Twin City This Year

Bhubaneswar: There will be no ‘Ravana Podi’ and procession for immersion of Goddess Durga idol during the Durga Puja celebration this year. A decision was taken during a discussion between puja committees of twin city and the Commissionerate of Police here today.

Unanimously it was decided during the meeting that the idol of Goddess Durga will be worshipped at puja pandals closed from all sides. No visitor will be allowed to pay obeisance to the Goddess at pandals. A detailed guideline will be issued by the Commissionerate of Police in a few days, informed Police Commissioner Sudhansu Sarangi after the meeting.

Besides, the puja pandals will be allowed to set up idols not more than 4-5 feet. No decoration and lightning of the pandal will be permitted. Only 10 members of each puja committee will be allowed to participate in the puja at pandals.

The necessary rituals of the Goddess will be performed. The puja committees will conduct the puja at pandals while adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines, said Dilip Mohanty, Secretary of Bhubaneswar Immersion Committee.

Minister Ashok Panda who was present during the meeting said there are restrictions of decoration and immersion procession.