Puri, Dec 31: The Jagannath temple in Puri will remain closed for devotees from December 31 to January 2 in view of rising Omicron cases, the temple administration announced on Friday.
However, all rituals will be performed by servitors amid strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols.
Maa Kalijai temple in Chilika has also been closed for devotees for three days from 6 am of December 31 till 6 pm of January 2.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and its highly contagious new variant, Omicron, in the capital city, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation on Thursday decided to shut down all religious institutions from December 31 to January 2.
The decision was taken to protect the health of public who visit temples, mosques, gurudwaras or churches in large numbers on New Year.
