Pana Sankranti celebration restricted in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Amid sharp spike in COVID-19 cases in Odisha capital, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhary today informed that celebration of Pana Sankranti will be restricted across the city tomorrow.

“As per the guidelines issued by the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), there will be no Pana Sankranti celebration at public places in Bhubaneswar. However, sevayats will be allowed to perform normal rituals at temples on the occasion,” the BMC Commissioner said.

Large scale congregation of devotees at temples and ‘Pana’ distribution at public places will not be allowed in the capital city, he added.

However, usual religious rituals by priests and sevayats in temples will be allowed without devotees. It is the responsibility of temple authorities to ensure priests and sevayats wear mask appropriately at all times.

The BMC Commissioner added distribution of pana and other beverages at temple and other public places is strictly prohibited.