Odisha: Covid dampens Christmas celebrations for 2nd year

BHUBANESWAR: Christmas celebrations remained a muted affair in the state for the second year in a row amid rising concerns over the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
Most churches cancelled Midnight mass while some asked parishioners to attend mass in virtual mode on Saturday. Following fresh guidelines issued by the state government for celebration of Christmas and New Year, some churches allowed the faithful to offer prayers with a maximum of 50 people at a time.
“We followed Covid-19 norms strictly and did not allow any gathering on Christmas. People were very anxious over the evolving Covid situation and also followed guidelines. They were wearing masks and maintaining social distance but the gatherings were less crowded than usual this year. Despite restrictions, the overall environment is positive and vibrant,” said Father Mrutyunjay Digal at St Vincet Catholic Church in Satya Nagar.
The decorations in churches were less compared to previous years. Though churches were bereft of the usual fanfare, crowd, carol singing and other rituals, people continued the festivities in households. Many people were seen lighting candles in front of church gates as they were not allowed to enter.
“This is the second year we could not attend mass at the church due to the Covid pandemic. It is good to be careful and cautious. We celebrated Christmas at home by preparing many special dishes and delicacies, and invited friends and relatives. We prayed to the Lord to make this world free from the virus,” said Sarah Digal, a faithful.
A number of virtual Christmas music concerts, were organised on social media platforms including YouTube, like last year.
Despite the restrictions on picnic and tourist spots, the Puri beach and also temples were thronged by visitors, who came out in large numbers to make the day memorable.
However, experts said there is a need to be careful and cautious and avoiding gatherings. Several district administrations have already announced closure of religious places and imposed restrictions on gatherings and celebrations.
“It is high time when people must avoid gatherings and show Covid appropriate behaviour. The surveillance needs to be tightened,” said Dr Niraj Mishra, a senior physician.
Bhubaneswar: Christmas celebrations remained a muted affair in the state for the second year in a row amid rising concerns over the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
Most churches cancelled Midnight mass while some asked parishioners to attend mass in virtual mode on Saturday. Following fresh guidelines issued by the state government for celebration of Christmas and New Year, some churches allowed the faithful to offer prayers with a maximum of 50 people at a time.
“We followed Covid-19 norms strictly and did not allow any gathering on Christmas. People were very anxious over the evolving Covid situation and also followed guidelines. They were wearing masks and maintaining social distance but the gatherings were less crowded than usual this year. Despite restrictions, the overall environment is positive and vibrant,” said Father Mrutyunjay Digal at St Vincet Catholic Church in Satya Nagar.
The decorations in churches were less compared to previous years. Though churches were bereft of the usual fanfare, crowd, carol singing and other rituals, people continued the festivities in households. Many people were seen lighting candles in front of church gates as they were not allowed to enter.
“This is the second year we could not attend mass at the church due to the Covid pandemic. It is good to be careful and cautious. We celebrated Christmas at home by preparing many special dishes and delicacies, and invited friends and relatives. We prayed to the Lord to make this world free from the virus,” said Sarah Digal, a faithful.
A number of virtual Christmas music concerts, were organised on social media platforms including YouTube, like last year.
Despite the restrictions on picnic and tourist spots, the Puri beach and also temples were thronged by visitors, who came out in large numbers to make the day memorable.
However, experts said there is a need to be careful and cautious and avoiding gatherings. Several district administrations have already announced closure of religious places and imposed restrictions on gatherings and celebrations.
“It is high time when people must avoid gatherings and show Covid appropriate behaviour. The surveillance needs to be tightened,” said Dr Niraj Mishra, a senior physician.
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