Maharashtra Government releases guidelines for Diwali celebrations

Amidst the outbreak of the coronavirus, the state government has asked the people to celebrate Diwali in a simplistic manner.

In view of the situation, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government has issued guidelines on preventive measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus during the Diwali celebrations and urged citizens to avoid bursting crackers to curb noise and air pollution.

Down below are the guidelines that are to be followed:

• As cases of coronavirus are still being reported across the state, all festivities this year so far has been celebrated in a simple and unambiguous manner. Therefore, similarly, Diwali should also be celebrated with the utmost care and simplicity.
• Diwali should be celebrated at home. Senior citizens and children, in particular, should avoid going out during the festival. Moreover, citizens should avoid crowds, not gather, wear masks and strictly observe social distancing protocols.
• Even though Diwali is observed as the festival of lights, a large number of firecrackers everywhere increases the levels of air and noise pollution adversely affecting the health of people. This year especially, COVID-19 patients would suffer extensively from the smoke of the firecrackers. In view of the situation, citizens should avoid setting off firecrackers this year. Instead, the festival should be celebrated by arranging lamps.
• No public celebrations or events (e.g. Diwali Pahat) should be held during Diwali. If people want to organize such an event, they should do it online i.e. cable network, Facebook.
• Priority should be given to organizing health-related camps (e.g. blood donation) instead of cultural programs. Through these camps, awareness should be spread about COVID-19, malaria, dengue and their preventive measures.
• It will be mandatory for all to abide by the rules issued from time to time by various concerned departments of the government as well as the Municipal Corporation, Police and Local Administration to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.