Odisha Bans Bol Bom Yatra
In view of the prevailing COVID 19 situation in Odisha, the State government announced a ban on all religious activities and congregations of Kaudias or Bol Bom devotees.
The Bol Bom devotees are not allowed to collect water from rivers, ponds, and other water bodies and walk on any public road to offer it to the deity at any Shiva temple during the Odia month of Shravan (July/August), 2021, an order issued by the Chief Secretary said.
The decision was taken after an assessment of the COVID 19 situation in the State. This is for the second year when the State government prohibited the Bol Bom Yatra with the possibility of a third wave of COVID 19 looming large this time.
During the annual pilgrimage, the Kaudias walk barefoot in groups chanting Bol Bom to consecrate the holy water. The devotees start their barefoot journey to the Shiva temples on Saturday and Sunday to offer the holy water at Shiva shrines every Monday in the month of Shravana.
PM Modi has convened a review meeting on July 16 of several States including Odisha, where the COVID 19 situation in several coastal districts including Khordha, Cuttack and Puri remains a matter of concern.
The government has already prohibited religious functions and other gatherings till July 16, 2021. All religious places are also closed for the general public.
Author: Aafreen Firdaus
Aafreen is a doting mother to several kitties and a doggo who loves to pamper everyone with delicious food. She is a free spirit and a wizard of words and she loves to tell beautiful stories through her writing. She is also a loving and caring soul, always ready to pitch in with a helping hand and a smile on her face.
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