Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The Odisha government allowed Puja Committees and organisers in the State to conduct Ganesh, Durga, Laxmi, Kali Puja and other similar pujas in mandaps and pandals.
According to a notification issued by State Special Relief Commissioner, for conducting Puja in Puja Pandals/Mandaps, the organisers shall apply to and obtain the necessary permission from the District Magistrate or any other officer authorised by him/ her.
It further added that for the area under Commissionerate of Police of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, such permission shall be given by the Commissioner of Police of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar or any other officer authorised by him/ her.
The SRC order clarified that congregation for the celebration of the above festivals/puja and associated religious and cultural congregations shall not be allowed in public throughout the State. However, the government has decided to allow Ganesh Puja celebrations in all educational institutions across the State with the participation of a limited number of students observing Covid appropriate behaviour.
Similarly, citizens are allowed to observe the said Pujas/ festivals in their premises without causing any congregation at any place and maintaining all safety protocols, such as social distancing, wearing masks, proper sanitisation.
