Kamrup (M) district administration issues guidelines for Chhath Puja

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Kamrup (Metropolitan) District Administration has issued guidelines for Chhath puja celebrations in Guwahati.

In a meeting held by the administration with the Chhath puja committees, various decisions were taken for the upcoming Chhath puja and for organizing it smoothly in view of COVID-19. Kamrup Metro Deputy Commissioner Biswajit Pegu informed the media persons that the puja will be held at 14 ghats of the city.

Wearing masks and maintaining social distance continues to be mandatory in all places. Not more than five members of a family will be allowed to perform the rituals at a time. Moreover, persons above the age of 65 and children below 10 years have been advised not to join the rituals.

Apart from the religious rituals all the cultural programs and mela have been cancelled this year.

Because of the ongoing pandemic, no substantial decorations or pandals have been permitted this year. Setting up of food stalls near the ghats has also been barred. DC Pegu appealed to all the puja committee volunteers to get themselves tested for COVID-19 before the start of the puja.

The Inland Water Transport Department (IWTD) has been asked to erect red flags over the river for the safety of the devotees.

The district administration will also deploy SDRF and NDRF teams across all the ghats to tackle if any untoward situation arises.

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