The festival season has started in the country. Durga Puja starts tomorrow. But amidst the corona pandemic, the government of the states is taking full vigilance. The government has issued many guidelines to celebrate puja and to watch the pandals. Many states including Bihar, Jharkhand, UP, Gujarat, Delhi have made guidelines for Durga Puja in view of Corona.
Jharkhand: Jharkhand has decreased Corona cases, but the risk of infection is still intact. However, the Hemant Soren government of the state has given permission to organize Durgotsav and Dussehra in view of the public faith. But at the same time, many guidelines have also been issued.
Under the guidelines of the government, the size of the worship pandals and pavilions will be small. The idols of Maa Durga will not be more than five feet. Prasad/Bhog will not be distributed during the event. At the same time, those below the age of 18 years will not be allowed to enter the pandals.
Bihar: In recent times, there has been a steady decline in the cases of corona infection in Bihar. But the government is taking special precautions so that it does not increase during the festival. Bihar’s government has issued many guidelines regarding Durga Puja. According to the government, permission will have to be taken from the administration before the fair or any function during Durga Puja.
It will be mandatory for those going to pandals, fairs and processions to take at least one dose of the vaccine. There will be a ban on the gathering of numerous people at one place.
West Bengal: Durga Puja will be done with pomp in West Bengal. But in view of Corona, the government will also have to follow strict guidelines. Prasad will not be distributed in Puja pandals this year. At the same time, people below the age of 18 years will be prohibited from going to the pandals. There will be arrangements for the distribution of masks and sanitisers in the pandal. Special care will have to be taken for cleanliness and distance.
Delhi: In Delhi too, DDMA has given permission for Durga Puja celebrations, but has also said to strictly follow the Corona guidelines. Big idols will be prohibited. Crowd gathering in the puja pandal is also restricted. Checking will be done at the entry point of the pandal itself. No one will be allowed inside without a mask. There will be no public enjoyment events.
UP: Durga Puja is celebrated in UP too, but the government has issued many guidelines for worship committees. A large number of police have been deployed to ensure that the Corona guidelines are followed properly. Crowd gathering will not be allowed in the pandals. Full arrangement of masks and sanitisers will have to be maintained. There will be a ban on DJ and Light.
At the same time, in view of Durga Puja, the doors of temples closed due to corona have been opened in many states. But along with opening the doors, necessary guidelines have also been given, which will have to be followed. In Gujarat, both doses of corona vaccine have been made necessary for playing Garba during worship and for darshan in the temple. At the same time, Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak temple is also being opened from tomorrow i.e. Thursday. But for darshan, devotees will be able to go inside only through the QR code.
Also Read: A 17-year-old stabbed by another schoolboy for not apologizing
