Maharashtra Government issues guidelines for Chhath Puja celebrations

The State Government of Maharashtra on Wednesday, November 19, announced the norms to celebrate Chhath Puja amidst the coronavirus pandemic. As mentioned earlier, CM Uddhav Thackeray had asked the state to celebrated festivals in a simple manner, and following the directives, the State Home Department has drafted the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which people celebrating the festival, will have to follow strictly. 

The new guidelines were announced by Home Minister Anil Deshmukh who has appealed that this year's Chhath Puja should be celebrated in a low-key manner to ensure everyone's safety amidst the COVID19 outbreak.

Following guidelines have been issued and implemented effectively. Local bodies have been asked to keep a check on the same.

1) Citizens should avoid crowding and gathering at lakes and beaches to avoid the spread of coronavirus. Instead, one is suggested to celebrate Chhath Puja at home in a simple manner.

2) Artificial lakes have been constructed with the help of the Municipal Corporations, People's Representatives, and NGOs. Moreover, people will have to take appropriate safety and hygiene measures when in public.

3) No pavilion of any kind should be erected at any place while celebrating the festival, and no religious or cultural activities should be organized. Besides this, the use of fireworks is banned.

4) Citizens should wear masks and maintain social distancing at all times during the Puja celebrations. Organizers and associations have been asked to create awareness about not accompanying senior citizens and bringing children to the venue.

5) Disinfectants should be arranged at the venue where Puja is held and special attention should be paid to social distancing as well as observing hygiene protocols.

6) Strict adherence has to be given to the rules drafted by the Government Relief, Rehabilitation, Health, Environment, Medical Education Department as well as the concerned Municipal Corporation, Police, and Local Administration from time to time. Further, incase new instructions are issued in the following days or in the middle of the celebration day, they should also be complied with, from immediate effect.