Covid spoils ‘Raja’ enjoyable in city areas, rural pockets make merry

By Express News Service
PARADIP: The festive fervour related to Raja is as soon as once more lacking in massive components of the district. Festivities had been seen in rural pockets however remained largely absent in city areas because the three-day pageant kicked off. The port metropolis of Paradip, which normally celebrates ‘Raja’ with a lot merry-making, wore a forlorn look as Covid restrictions solid a shadow on the primary day of the pageant.

Jagannath Lalit Kala Sansad, the cultural wing of the Paradip Port Trust (PPT) observes the pageant yearly with gusto for denizens of the township. However, with restrictions on congregations, the festive temper was dampened as most girls and women stayed indoors. Locals stated they didn’t really feel like celebrating amid restrictions like carrying masks and social distancing.

On the opposite hand, individuals in rural pockets threw social distancing warning to the wind and went forward with the celebrations. “We observed Raja in the village as Covid restrictions have no impact in rural areas,” stated Sanjukta Swain of Naugaon.

Meanwhile, Collector Sangram Keshari Mohapatra appealed to individuals to remain indoors and train warning with out giving in to festive pleasures. “As per latest tests, case count has dipped by 7.76 per cent in the district. We must follow the safety protocol to ensure the situation returns to normalcy soon,” he stated.