COVID restrictions mar Kartika Purnima celebrations in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Kartika Purnima celebrations in Odisha were subdued today due to the restrictions imposed by the state government in view of the COVID-19 situation.

Major river ghats and ponds wore a deserted look as congregation of people for sailing miniature boats and taking bath at the water bodies have been prohibited by the government. Similar scenes were also witnessed at temples across the state.

However, many people were seen violating the restrictions and sailing miniature boats at rivers/ponds.

Bali Jatra in Cuttack, Paradeep, and Bhubaneswar on the occasion of Kartika Purnima has also been cancelled this year.

A month-long ‘habisha’ and five-day ‘Panchuka’ today ended on the occasion of the holy Kartika Purnima. People usually gather at water bodies on Kartika Purnima to observe ‘Boita Bandana’ by sailing miniature boats for commemorating the glorious maritime history of Odisha.