Know restrictions imposed for religious, social, cultural programs

Bhubaneswar, April 19: Marriage, funeral/ last rites related gatherings shall be allowed, subject to the following conditions: The numbers of persons allowed in a marriage function shall not be more than 50 (for the entire event) including hosts, guests, priests and catering and other support staff. Similarly, in case of funerals and last rites the ceiling on numbers of persons including host and family members, guests, priests and other support staff shall be twenty (20). Under no circumstances, the number of participants shall exceed the ceiling for the entire event. No marriage procession shall be allowed. In case of violations of this condition, the vehicles and equipment and accessories used in the procession shall be seized and criminal action taken against the host/ owner of the band/ baja/ light/ sound service provider. Local authorities may, in addition to filing of criminal action under Epidemic Diseases Act, 1861, DM Act, 2006 and Indian Penal Code, suspend licenses up-to one(l) month, and impose penalties under relevant laws/ rules/ regulations. The list of participants should be submitted to the local authorities at least 24 hours before the event. This said list shall be conspicuously displayed at prominent locations of the venue which can be easily read by public from a distance of ten (10) feet. If persons other than those declared before the local authorities and as such displayed are found present in the venue, it shall be considered as violations of the conditions of permission. Action as deemed proper under relevant sections of E.D Act, D.M Act and IPC shall be initiated against the owner of the venue as well as the host. Further Local Authorities may impose penalty on the host and owner of the venue apart from taking such other action as sealing, seizure and levy of penalty under prevailing rules/ guidelines/ orders of the Local authorities. Wearing of masks correctly, maintaining social distancing of at least six (6) feet between participants and provision of thermal scanning & use of hand wash or sanitizer shall be mandatory. The owner of the venue as well as the host of the function shall be criminally liable for any violation and non-adherence of guidelines/ Covid-19 protocols. The host of the marriage/ funeral function as well as the Venue owner shall make necessary arrangement for checking at the entry point and ensure wearing of mask by the guests/ others during the entire duration of their participation. Host shall make arrangement to provide masks to those who have not come with appropriate masks.  The Guidelines issued by the State Government vide Order No.4014/ R &DM (DM) dated 06.07.2020 read with No.139/ R &DM (DM) dated 12.1.2021 for marriage and funeral related functions during covlD-19 pandemic shall be strictly followed. No Social/ Cultural/ Political/ religious/ Academic meetings/ congregations shall be allowed. All these activities are to be encouraged to be conducted on virtual mode.  No rallies/ Processions of any soft shall be allowed. Religious rituals in temples/ churches/ Mosques/ places of worship shall be permitted with limited number of priests and staff adhering to Covid safety protocols. As regards to entry of devotees into such religious places, District Magistrates may, looking into the prevailing situation in the district and in consultation with relevant stakeholders ,impose any further restrictions as deemed proper. Other social functions shall be avoided. Wherever such social functions, such as Birthday, Brata Ghar , Ekoisa, anniversary etc. shall have to be organized, they shall be organized within the house with only family members participating. No outside guests shall participate in any social functions. No outside venue (hotels,/ Kalyan Mandaps/ Resorts/ Clubs/ Association Buildings) shall allow any social functions conducted in their premises. Offering of feast/ guest enteftainment/ community feast of any kind shall be prohibited irrespective of number of persons attending.