Jharkhand government issues guidelines for celebrating Durga Puja, Dussehra 2020

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The Jharkhand government on October 2 issued guidelines that will have to be followed while celebrating Durga Puja and Dussehra amid the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the guidelines issued by the Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand, only seven persons will be allowed inside a Durga Puja pandal/ mandap at any given point in time. This would include the organisers, priests, and other support staff. Public participation will not be allowed during the performance of rituals. Moreover, theme-based pandals will not be allowed this year to prevent crowding.

The guideline for Durga Puja celebration read: “Puja may be performed in specially erected small pandals/mandals, where it has been done traditionally, only with the objective performance of rituals without public participation. Durga Puja pandals and mandap must be covered from all sides to prevent any public view of the idols. Puja pandal/mandal will not be constructed on any theme.”

The government has also banned decoration by lighting, except in the area where the idol is placed. Additionally, puja committees will not be allowed to organise fairs or set up food stalls in and around the Durga Puja pandal/ mandap.

The government order further stated: “There shall be no musical or any other entertainment or cultural programme. No community feast or prasad/ bhog distribution function will be organised. No invitation will be issued in any form by the organisers of puja committees.”

Idol immersion will be allowed only at places approved by the district administration, the order read.

Jharkhand's total coronavirus tally stands at 83,651, of which 713 positive patients have died while 71,342 persons have recovered from the viral infection.

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(With ANI inputs)