Hailakandi administration puts certain restrictions on Kali Puja, Diwali celebrations amid COVID-19

The Hailakandi district administration has put in force certain restrictions during Kali Puja and Diwali festivals on Saturday and Sunday in view of the COVID-19 pandemic situation.

In an order issued to this effect here on Thursday, Deputy Commissioner cum Chairman, DDMA, Megh Nidhi Dahal stated that only 20 persons would be allowed at a time inside puja premises maintaining social distancing, wearing mask and other COVID-19 protocols.

The order stated that the puja committees would observe only religious rituals with no extravagant decorations and lighting of pandals.

It asked all the committee members and volunteers, including priests to undergo swab test for COVID-19.

It also prohibited mela, cultural events, competitions, procession and temporary stalls in the vicinity of puja pandals.

The order asked the puja committees to arrange for proper sanitisation of the premises and thermal screening of the devotees at the entrance of the puja pandal.

It also stated that not more than five persons per committee would be allowed to carry the idol to the immersion ghat.

The order prohibits the bursting of high sounding crackers in public places and imposes restriction on sale and purchase of such fireworks.

Moreover, use of loudspeakers beyond the permitted decibel level is strictly prohibited. The order warned that anyone found violating the instrucLifestyle)tions would be dealt with severely under the relevant sections of Disaster Management Act, 2005 and Indian Penal Code.

The order comes into force with immediate effect.