Bhubaneswar, June 10: The Sabitri Brata this year too is similar to that of last year for the second time. Women are not going to temples as the lockdown restrictions prohibit large gatherings at places of worship.

The festival is observed by married Hindu women on the Amavasya, the no moon day in month of Jyeshtha. The ritual, which originates from the legends of Sabitri and Satvayan, considered sacred even today.

On this occassion, the women observe a fast and visit the temple wearing a new saree, bangles and tray full of fruits for the good health and long life of their husbands.

However, this year, the usual excitement about shopping was missing owing to the second wave of Covid-19. The business of the shopkeepers are also down as people are buying for the sake of following the rituals only.

In some places, the local administration has also imposed section 144 of CrPC in and around the temples. Rituals are only being performed by priests as per temple rules following the statewide lockdown.