Bhawanipatna: Kalahandi district administration has said that the annual Chhatar Yatra of Goddess Manikeswari in Bhawanipatna town will be held October 13 this year sans devotees.
“Considering the Covid-19 situation, congregation of devotees will not be allowed during the celebration,” Collector GP Harshad Saturday said.
“Section 144 of CrPC will be imposed in Bhawanipatna town and all entry points be sealed on the Chhatar Yatra day to prevent movement of devotees. Five platoons of force will be deployed at the festival site to avoid any untoward law and order situation,” Harshad added.
Also read: Odisha registers 585 new Covid-19 cases; 96 below 18 years
Devotees can watch live streaming of the rituals on the festival day on TV channels and Facebook page. All rituals of the Chhatar Yatra will be performed by temple servitors as per tradition while adhering to Covid-19 safety protocols, the Collector informed while adding that steps will be taken to raise awareness against animal sacrifice during the festival.
It is pertinent to mention, a district-level meeting was held to decide on preparation for the upcoming Chhatar Yatra. Additional Collector Sarat Chandra Srichandan and Superintendent of Police Saravana Vivek M including other senior officials also took part in the meeting.
PNN
