Odisha Bans 'Bol Bam Yatra', No Kanwar Yatra In Uttarakhand This Year

The Odisha government banned the 'Bol Bam Yatra' of Shiva devotees for the second consecutive year due to corona infection.

कावंड़ यात्रा (फाइल फोटो)

Bhubaneswar: Due to the second wave of corona infection in the country, religious activities are still banned in many places. Recently Jagannath Yatra was organized in Puri, Odisha. Last year, devotees were not allowed to participate in Jagannath Yatra. In Odisha, for the second consecutive year, the 'Bol Bam Yatra' of Shiva devotees has been banned.

Ban on 'Bol Bam Yatra'

Because of the current coronavirus infection in Odisha, the state government on Tuesday banned the Kanwar Yatra of "Kaudiya" or "Bol Bom" devotees. An order has been issued by the state government to ban religious activities and gatherings of 'Bol Bom' devotees.

An order issued by the Chief Secretary of Odisha said that it was decided to ban the religious congregation 'Bol Bom Jatra' in the state after the Covid-19 situation was assessed. The order states that 'Bol Bom' devotees are not allowed to collect water from rivers, ponds, and other water bodies or walk on any public road.  

Order issued due to corona infection

The Chief Secretary said that for the second consecutive year, the state government has banned 'Bol Bam Jatra' due to the possibility of a third wave of Covid-19. At present, the government has already banned religious functions and other functions till 16 July 2021. During the ban, all religious places are closed for the general public.

Let us tell you that every year during the pilgrimage 'Kaudiyas' travel barefoot for miles in many groups chanting 'Bol Bom' to sanctify the holy water. Every Monday in the month of 'Shravan' devotees begin their barefoot journey to offer holy water in Shiva temples on Saturdays and Sundays.