The Ganjam district administration has issued guidelines allowing Durga Puja to be held amidst the coronavirus pandemic. The district had emerged as one of the hotspots in the state in the early days but has now fought back strongly, keeping the caseload under control since the last few weeks.
Among the guidelines, the administration has capped the height of the idol at 4-ft for all the puja pandals. Social distancing protocol will need to be implemented strictly. At any given point of time, more than 7 persons (including priests and puja committee members) will not be allowed to assemble inside the premises.
The organising committee will be responsible to ensure that the public follows all protocols such as wearing masks and maintaining personal hygiene along with other guidelines issued by the central/state/district authorities.
Though the rituals will be allowed to be performed, public participation is forbidden as of now. Immersion ceremonies will not be allowed. Moreover, the administration has imposed restrictions on the organisation of cultural programmes and other events.
District Collector, Vijay Amruta Kulange, has mentioned that heavy fines will be imposed if the guidelines are not followed. Notably, Ganjam has reported merely 44 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours.