Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) prohibited people from offering Paya Shraddha and Pinda Dana at Bindusagar Lake and the Singh Dwara of Lord Lingaraj Temple during Deepavali for this year.

In an order, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) stated the ban will be effective on performing the Paya Shraddha and Pinda Dana at other public locations under the jurisdiction of the city municipal corporation as well.

The order added the decision has been taken to discourage public congregation to ensure public safety in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Also, the city municipal corporation stated the Chhat Puja ritual celebration at the banks of different water bodies or any public location within BMC jurisdiction will be prohibited this year.