Preparations are afoot for the government-sponsored Durga Puja in Seraikela, in the adjoining Seraikela-Kharsawan district, about 35 kms away from here.

The grand puja, which is held as per the customs of the Seraikela royal family, will be organised in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines.

Seraikela sub-divisional officer Ramkrishna Kumar held a meeting of the government Durga Puja Committee, instructing exactly how should the four-day-long festival should be observed keeping protocols in mind.

Kumar, who also is the chairman of the committee, will offciate as the puja `karta', according to custom, and will participate in the rituals.

The state government bears the complete exprenses of the puja, for which a separate budgetary allocation is made every year.

The Durga Mandir, venue for the government sponsored Durga Puja in Seraikela. Animesh Sengupta

Tapan Kumar Pattanayak, who is the conductor of the puja, said a four foot idol has been ordered in accordance with state government guidelines.

"The puja will be held at a permanent structure at the Durga Temple, like every year. No dhakis or loudspeakers will be present, and only seven people, including priests and the `karta' will be allowed at the venue," Pattanayak told The Telegraph Online.

He further informed that only five, instead of the usual nine young girls will be brought for Kumari Puja this year. Pattanayak also said that there will be no distribution of bhog by the puja committee.

The government puja committee functionary informed that last year's budget was Rs 1.09 lakh, but this year the budget will be confined to Rs 1 lakh.