Odisha Bans 'Bol Bom Yatra' Of Shiva Devotees For Second Year In Row Amid Covid

An order issued by the Odisha Chief Secretary said the decision to ban the religious congregation "Bol Bom Jatra" was taken after an assessment of COVID-19 situation.

In view of the prevailing COVID-19 situation in Odisha, the state government Tuesday announced a ban on the 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, the order said. This is for the second year when the state government prohibited the "Bol Bom Jatra" with the possibility of a third wave of COVID-19 looming large this time.