All Soul's Day was observed at the Beldih cemetery in Bistupur on Monday.

This year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic the usual mass conducted in the evening at the cemetery was called off. Instead, various churches including the St. Joseph's Cathedral at Golmuri, Lupita Hall Church at Telco and St. Mary's Church in Bistupur conducted morning and evening masses.

"The mass was decentralised to prevent crowding. People were asked to go to the cemetery and pray as per their convenience. They were asked to follow social distancing and other Covid norms during the prayers at the cemetery. Therefore, this year because of the pandemic no mass took place at the cemetery, "said James Davis, who is associated with St. Joseph's Cathedral.

Beldih cemetery witnesses the largest gathering in the steel city.

Every year the rituals begin late in the afternoon and continue late at night. This year the local administration restricted prayer time at the cemetery till 7 pm.