The magnificent pandals synonymous with Durga Puja celebrations that the City used to witness during the four- day long festivities will be seen missing this year. Keeping in mind the Covid-19 pandemic, puja organisers across the State capital have decided to forgo the thematic pandals and attractive installations and have instead opted to hold small ceremonies to mark the festival.
The much awaited festival will not only have smaller structures with no fanfarebut will also have restrictions on the entry of visitors.
“The grandeur with which the festival is celebrated every year will not be there during Durga Puja this time. Apart from the main pandals, the attractive gates which are installed on either side of the road will also not be seen. Anything that was used to attract revellers in the past will not be there,” said Ranchi District Durga Puja Committee (RDDPC) president cum Rajasthan Mitra Mandal Puja Committee Chairman Ashok Purohit.
To avoid crowds, the committees have also decided to not hold any bhog distribution. “Puja cannot happen without offering bhog to Maa and the bhog once offered cannot be thrown away. We have decided to distribute the prasad to the houses in the vicinity of the pandal,” added Purohit.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Chhavi Ranjan also chaired a peace committee meeting and issued various guidelines to the pandal organisaers on Tuesday. ADM Law and Order Lokesh Mishra, Sub Divisional Officer
Sameera S, Traffic SP, City SP, Rural SP and members of various peace committees were a part of it.
“During this calamity of coronavirus Durga Puja will be conducted differently this time. All committees have to hold small level celebrations and as per the guidelines issued by the State government. No fair and electronic decorations will be installed,” said the DC.
Ranjan further stated that for the immersion process no procession will be allowed. The committees have also been directed to ensure arrangements for thermal screening and hand sanitiser at each pandal. Posters related to wearing masks and following social distancing norms should be placed.