In Maharashtra, the State Government has called for cancellation of Dandiya, Garba and other cultural programmes during the ensuing Navratri, Durga Puja and Dussehra festivals amidst COVID-19 pandemic.
A circular issued by the government on Tuesday advised to celebrate the festival in a simple manner without any sort of public gathering.
The SOP released by the government stated the government’s ‘My Family, My Responsibility’ initiative should be followed.
It also stated that efforts should be taken for generating awareness against spread of COVID-19 and other contagious like malaria and dengue.
The immersion of the idols should be done at home or in any artificial ponds created by civic bodies or housing societies.
The guidelines encouraged online darshan of deities and restricted the entry of persons to five at a time in the pandals.
The SOP has encouraged clay or metallic idols instead of POP idols.
The burning of Ravana’s effigy during the Dussehra should be held in a symbolic manner without any public gathering and can be streamed live through social media platforms.
