Bhubaneswar (SunstarTV Bureau): On the upcoming eve of Ashokastami Car Festival of Lord Lingaraj on April 20 this year, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday issued detailed guidelines to avoid the spike of COVID-19.
A high level meeting was conducted today with the Lingaraj temple’s relevant stakeholders where it has been decided to observe the festival under the strict COVID-19 protocols, informed sources.
As per issued guidelines, the Sevayats to undergo mandatory RT-PCR tests two days before the Car Festival and Return Car Festival. Those Sevayats with negative reports, shall proceed to participate in the festival.
Moreover, no devotee will be allowed to participate in the pulling of the chariot.
The issued guidelines are belows:
- No devotees will be allowed to participate in the car festival as well as return car festival.
- Only Sevayats will be allowed to conduct the car festival and return car festival.
- The temple authorities to coordinate with BMC for sanitization of the Rath (Car) before putting to use.
- All Sevayats shall have to undergo mandatory RT-PCR testing before 48 hours of day of Car Festival and Return Car Festival. Only those Sevayats coming out negative can participate in the festival.
