Zero Night, Welcome to New Year celebrations banned in Odisha this year

Bhubaneswar: When the Covid-19 disease remains a public health challenge and a matter of concern, the Odisha government today put a ban on zero night celebration and welcome to New Year function this year.

The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) office issued the guidelines for the month of December and stated congregation in hotels, restaurants, parks and other public places for zero night celebration and welcome to New Year programme will be prohibited throughout the State. The prohibition of the celebrations will be effective on December 31, 2021 and January 1, 2022.

The SRC office further stated people of the State are advised to celebrate the functions at home premises avoiding mass gatherings and adhering to the Covid-19 protocols.

People are advised to use permitted green crackers during this celebration with utmost safety/caution and not to use in public places, the SRC guideline read.