Adityanath govt permits Durga puja under strict Covid-19 protocol

Durga puja organisers within the Uttar Pradesh capital heaved a sigh of aid because the state authorities has lastly allowed Durga puja with idols even in parks and different locations strictly adhering to Covid-19 pointers.

The Uttar Pradesh authorities on Thursday introduced the ‘Re-open’ pointers, paving the best way for public celebration of Durga Puja, Ramleela, bigger political actions together with these for the UP Assembly bypolls on seven seats, or bigger marriage gatherings.

“We are happy about the state government decision in allowing Durga puja. The uncertainty has finally ended. We will go for smaller size idols and shall follow all the guidelines,” stated Arun Banerjee, president of the Bengali Club.

“We are the oldest organisation in the city celebrating Durga puja for more than 100 years now. It was difficult to discontinue a century-old tradition. This Durga puja let’s pray to God to kill the demon virus which has claimed several lives in the country,” he stated.

Rabindra Palli puja committee president Mihir Banerjee stated, “This is a welcome decision. This is our 37th year. We are going for Kalash puja or will go for small size Durga idols. No distribution of ‘bhog’ (Prasad) will be conducted and will organise ‘pushpanjali’ in small batches.”

Tirtho Sengupta of RDSO Durga puja committee stated, “We are happy with the decision. A meeting has been called on Friday evening to discuss the arrangements. We will place an order for small-sized idols.”

An elated Manoj Bhadra, president of Bondhu Mahal stated, “During the pandemic along with celebrating Durga Puja, we will have to look into the health of devotees visiting the pandals.”

“We have decided to strictly follow the Covid-19 guidelines in our Puja pandal,” he stated. Bhadra stated, “Though we are getting a very short time to prepare for the puja, our members will work to make it a grand event with curtailed programmes.”

He stated, “We have ordered for a small Durga protima and our ‘purohit’ and ‘dhaki’ have confirmed their participation.”

Ramakrishna Math, which has been organising ‘Durga Puja’ for almost 40 years now, goes forward with the rituals. “We will follow all Covid guidelines, including social distancing and limited gathering,” stated Swami Muktinathananda, president of the mathematics.