Puri: Ahead of the upcoming Diwali festivities, lighting of Kaunriya Kathi in front of Singhadwar of Puri Jagannath temple has been prohibited.
On the other hand, section 144 will also be imposed around Srimandir.
This has been informed by sub-collector Bhabatarana Sahu.
The administration has decided to ban this ritual as it causes noticeable amount of air pollution which might lead to the increase in Covid cases and severe infection in those affected with Covid.
Hundreds of people gather in front of Srimandir to light Kaunriya Kathi.
It is worth mentioning that people burn these sticks and offer them to their ancestors on the evening of Diwali, and chant, “Bada badiya ho, andhara re asa, aloka re jao” (come ancestors, join us in the dark and leave by light).