New Delhi (NVI): The Uttar Pradesh government today issued an advisory for the upcoming festival of Chhath Puja, in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.
The state government has urged devotees to perform rituals of Chhath Puja at home as much as possible to avert the risk of getting infected by deadly virus.
According to the advisory, the government did not ban the celebrations on the banks of rivers and waterbodies, but encouraged people to celebrate the festival at their home.
Moreover, the threat of coronavirus is not yet over. So, people should follow COVID-19 protocols such as maintaining social distance and wearing masks while celebrating the festival, the advisory said.
The government has also sought cooperation of the people for the celebrations and ensured that all arrangements will be in place for the devotees.
Under the advisory, it has directed districts’ administrations to set up changing rooms and toilets for women at the ghats. Also, ambulances will be stationed at the ghats to ferry people in case of emergency.
Besides, the officials have been directed to ensure proper barricading at ponds and waterbodies. CCTVs will also be installed at the ghats for monitoring the movement of people.
The festival is dedicated to lord Sun and Chhathi Maiya celebrated with joy and enthusiasm, especially in state of Bihar, UP and Jharkhand.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some states have also placed a ban on public festivities.
-RJV
