News > Odisha allows 'indoor-like' pandals for Durga puja, other festivals | Deccan Herald

Odisha allows 'indoor-like' pandals for Durga puja, other festivals | Deccan Herald

The Odisha government has allowed different puja committees to conduct the Durga, Ganesh, Laxmi, Kali puja and other similar events on pandals in “indoor-like” condition only for observance of rituals without any public participation, an official order said. The order issued by the Special Relief Commissioner’s office on Monday said that the organisers shall apply to obtain necessary permission from the District Magistrate or any other officer authorised by them.

"Puja Pandals/ Mandaps shall be covered on three sides. The 4th side shall also be covered in a way not to allow any public view of the idols. There shall be no darshan by public/ devotees," the order said, adding that the size of the idol shall be less than 4 feet and no use of public address system.