Even small religious and other gatherings can be dangerous in the current situation.
Therefore people need to maintain the rule of social distancing during the Chaitra Navratri too considering the threat of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), said Dehradun Chief Development Officer (CDO) Nitika Khandelwal. Also, the locals of the State have found different ways to celebrate Navami today rather than the traditional Kanyapujan.
Every year, the Chaitra Navratri is concluded with Kanyapujan on the eighth or ninth day called Ashtami and Navami respectively. This year due to the state-wide lockdown, people are avoiding Kanyapujan and planning to celebrate Navami in different ways.
While some people are planning to donate the money, others decided to feed stray animals during the lockdown.
"I am going to donate 10 times the money I spend every year on Kanyapujan to the Prime Minister's relief fund," said Mussorie resident Anita Sharma.
Haldwani resident Bhawana Panu said, "There are several stray dogs and cows near the main market who must not be getting enough food during these days so my family and I have decided to feed them for the next five days during the 7 AM to 1 PM window.
We do not want to take any chances with the lives of little girls or ours by organising Kanyapujan. So this year, it is our way to celebrate the Navratri and thank the goddess."
The CDO Nikita Khandelwal also stated that it is better to avoid any kind of gathering during the lockdown.
She said that the administration cannot enter into everyone's neighbourhood to check whether the family organising Kanyapujan is taking precautions like maintaining social distancing.
Therefore, people should act responsibly otherwise their actions may lead to bigger problems, said Khandelwal.
Moreover, she added that charges will be booked against those found violating the government directions and guidelines.
However, many people opined that the Navratri should be concluded as per the tradition, so they will organise Kanyapujan this Navami too.
"I get that the number of people infected with COVID-19 is increasing everyday but we cannot change our tradition entirely thinking about the risk it may pose to others. We will organise Kanyapujan while taking every precaution that ensures the safety of my family and others," said Dehradun resident Jaya Kandwal.