No ‘Holi’ celebration in public places in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: As per the new Covid guidelines for the month of March, Odisha government on Monday announced that there will be no ‘Holi’ celebration in public places across the state. 

As per the guidelines issued by the Chief Secretary, people cannot celebrate ‘Holi’ in any public places including public roads. However, they may celebrate ‘Holi’ with family members in their houses only.

During the ‘Dola Pumima’ celebration, Covid appropriate behaviour such as physical distancing, use of face mask and covering and hand washing and hand sanitizer is must. Religious rituals will be allowed with strict adherence of Covid-19 protocols.

District Collectors and Municipal Commissioners have been directed to impose required restrictions as per required to observe the Dola Melana.

During Dola Melana, in a procession people take out the idols of Radha and Krishna from various villages and gather in a designated place to play Holi with the deities.