COVID restrictions mar Dussehra festivities in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Durga Puja pandals across Odisha wore deserted look on the occasion of Dussehra today as COVID-19 restrictions dampened the festivities this year.

Puja mandaps, decorations and idols of goddess Durga used to draw a huge number of footfalls every year. However, the scenario was totally different this year as the state government has restricted congregation of devotees at the pandals to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Few devotees were seen paying obeisance to the deities in front of the pandals with folded hands even though the entrance points of the mandaps were covered to prevent public view of idols as per the guidelines issued by the government.

The Rabana Podi event, which is a major center of attraction on Dussehra during evening, is not being organised by most of the puja committees this year to avoid gathering of people.

However, the Barabati Sarbadharma Sanskrutika Parishada has organised the Rabana Podi event in Cuttack city, which will be webcasted live on Facebook page Barabati Sarbadharma Sanskrutika Parishada and YouTube channel Barabati Sarbadharma Sanskrutika Parishada from 8 PM to 9 PM today.