The Odisha government prohibited the celebration of Holi in public places, as well as large gatherings during various festivals, on Monday, even as it unlocked all activities in March in response to a sharp decline in COVID-19 cases across the state.
In its COVID-19 guideline for the month, the Odisha government stated that it would be in effect from 5 a.m. on March 1 to 5 a.m. on March 31. While the state’s night curfew was lifted on February 18, 2022, it stated that “there is a need to unlock all activities.”
However, COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and protocols must be strictly followed in order to prevent the spread of the infection, according to the Chief Secretary’s order.
The order stated that the local authorities would ensure proper adherence to the COVID-19 appropriate protocols during the celebrations of Mahashivratri, Holi, and Dolapurnima. “Holi and its associated rituals are not permitted in public places throughout the state. People are only permitted to celebrate ‘Holi’ with family members in their homes, not in any public places, including public roads “the order stated, adding that during the celebration of ‘Dola Pumima,’ people must exercise Covid Appropriate Behaviour such as physical separation, the use of a face mask, and hand washing.
During the Dola festival, people take out a procession carrying the idols of Radha and Krishna for worship, after which Holi is celebrated. The government permitted religious rituals, but only with strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols. Collectors and Municipal Commissioners may impose appropriate restrictions in Dola Melan’s, it said.
The district authorities will also determine the number of people who will attend these gatherings while adhering strictly to Covid appropriate behaviour and norms. It also stated that further mela or congregations outside and within the temple premises may be reasonably restricted in order to avoid mass gatherings. District Magistrates/Municipal Commissioners may impose appropriate restrictions on devotees’ entry into temples and religious places of worship based on local conditions.
Meanwhile, in order to normalise and strengthen economic activities while also protecting public health and preventing the spread of Covid-19, the government issued the following order: “There shall be graded unlocking throughout the state with effect from 5 a.m. on March 1, 2022 until 5 a.m. on March 31, 2022.”
During the unlock period, all activities are permitted to operate fully in accordance with COVID-19 protocols. It stated that all social/religious gatherings are permitted with strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols, and that exhibitions/fairs are permitted with full adherence to COVID protocols. In relation to the announcement of the election for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), the state government order stated that political gatherings/meetings for any election to be announced by the appropriate Election Commission shall be permitted in accordance with the instructions/guidelines issued by the appropriate Election Commission from time to time, in full compliance with COVID protocols.
According to the government, marriages, thread ceremonies, and related gatherings with approval from local authorities will be permitted with a limit of 500 people (for the entire event) including hosts, guests, catering, and other support staff while adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols. Funerals, last rites, and related gatherings permitted with local authority approval shall be limited to a maximum of 250 people. It stated that under no circumstances should the number of participants exceed the maximum for the entire event.
Marriage processions are permitted with prior written approval from competent authorities and a maximum of 100 participants. The order stated that anyone who violates the graded unlocking measures will be prosecuted under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the COVID-19 Regulations 2020, in addition to legal action under the IPC and other applicable legal provisions.
Prasanta Patnaik