Maharashtra has been the worst-hit by COVID-19 as it continues to register the highest cases in the country. Hence, the Maharashtra government has urged citizens to celebrate Holi and Rang Panchami, which is on March 28 and 29, in a simple manner.
Considering the rise in coronavirus cases in Maharashtra crowding should be avoided, the state government said.
Noting that the state’s Konkan region has a tradition of carrying a ‘palkhi’ or palanquin in a procession on Holi, the state government said this should be confined to temples and asked the local administration to do the needful. “No big religious or cultural programmes should be organised on the day of Holi and Rang Panchami,” the government added.
Moreover, the Maharashtra government has imposed a night curfew across the state from Sunday night, March 28.
Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the civic authorities of Mumbai, have banned public and private celebrations of Holi and Rang Panchami in the city. Similarly, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), too, have banned Holi celebrations in the city citing high positivity rate of the last 15 days.
Read More: BMC's ban on Holi celebration impact sales of malls and small scale business
Local administrations in areas around Mumbai have already started imposing restrictions. The Mira Bhayander-Vasai Virar commissionerate on Friday prohibited gathering of four or more persons under section 144 of the CrPC till April 6. Crowds were feared for Holi, Shab-E-Baraat and Easter.
In Kalyan-Dombivli all shops, except those selling essentials, hotels and restaurants to remain closed on weekends. Only food parcels will be allowed. In vegetable markets, only 50 per cent shops will open.
The Palghar district administration has also banned Holi celebrations this year. Besides, it has also banned weddings after April 15 and said those earlier can take place between 7 am and 7 pm with permission from the local police station. It issued several restrictions from April 5 --- malls, shops and establishments can operate from 7 am to 7pm, hawkers between 7 am and 8 pm, bars and restaurants can be open from 7am to 9pm, and home deliveries have to be over by 10 pm.
In order to prevent the outbreak of coronavirus infection, the citizens should strictly follow the rules laid down by the government's rehabilitation, health, environment, medical education department as well as the concerned municipal corporations, police administration and local administration, the Home Department said in a press release.
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