Christmas celebrations remain a low-key affair in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Unlike every year, Christmas today remained a low-key affair in Odisha due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.

In the state capital, devotees thronged few churches and attended mass prayers wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. Special prayers are being held at the brightly decorated churches to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, in adherence to the SOP laid down by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC).

“Few churches have been granted permission to conduct special prayers for the occasion. Only 20 people are allowed to get inside a church at each service time. We are monitoring the situation and requesting people to wear mask and maintain social distancing,” informed a BMC official.

Meanwhile, devotees have expressed happiness over the state Government’s decision to allow them for the mass prayer.

“We are thankful to Odisha Government, BMC Commissioner and Commissionerate Police. We will cooperate with the authorities and make sure everyone follows COVID-19 protocols,” said a devotee.