In view of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the state government issued guidelines for the celebration of the upcoming Durga puja festival.
As per the guidelines, the puja pandals would be allowed to be set up only outside the containment zones and the devotees would be allowed to visit the pandals from 5 a.m. till 9 p.m. However, maximum number of persons including organizers allowed to gather at any time in the puja pandals should be up to 50 % of the capacity subject to adherence to Covid-19 appropriate behaviour.
Among others, the puja organisers have been directed not to allow any person to enter the puja premises without face cover/mask and washing/sanitizing of hands.
Further, the guidelines stated that a maximum of 50 persons would be allowed to be a part of any immersion procession and for completing the ritual of immersion by observing CAB at all times.
DTF have been asked to make necessary arrangements with the concerned puja committees/organizers to ensure that immersion of the idols was suitably staggered so as to avoid congestion and large gatherings at the immersion sites. Concerned district CP/SP would make necessary arrangements for security, traffic, enforcing compliance to CAB.
The government has cautioned that any violation of the guidelines would attract action as per legal provisions against the puja committee/organizer or the individual/devotee as the case may be.