Calcutta Stock Exchange is going to break away from the decade old tradition of distributing laddu after Muhurat trading on the evening of Deepawali.

An exchange official says the decision was taken in view of the pandemic and the court orders to maintain social distancing during festivities.

The ghee-soaked laddu is usually a big draw at Lyon’s Range where people associated with the stock markets queue up in the evening to get hold of a box which contains the sweets.

The popularity of the item can be gauged from the fact that the exchange, which has had no trading on its platform officially since 2013, had ordered 414 kg of the laddu from Bhikharam Chandmal last year, costing the exchange around Rs 1,78,000.

The sweet comes in a box and contains four laddus, made of moong dal and desi ghee, each weighing about 150 grams.

The exchange officials also send the sweet as a gift box to people associated with it.

The distribution by the exchange goes on for at least three to four days.

“Brokers, clients and those who work in their offices come to the bourse with their families for puja and Muhurat trading. We know many people will be disappointed with the decision but we cannot take risk when Covid-19 is raging,” Sankar Lal Singh, administrative officer of CSE, said.

“We will conclude the rituals in a low key manner. Only whole fruits will be offered to the idols of Laxmi-Ganesh and the participation of people in anjali/aarti will be allowed with strict compliance of the order of the high court,”

Ajit Day, past president of the exchange, said it was a right decision.

“I am going to hold a puja at the office in a low key manner. Unlike past years, we are not inviting clients and associates,” Day said.