Maharashtra Government Issues Guidelines For Chhath Puja Celebrations

Mumbai, 8th November 2021: Considering the contagious situation caused by Covid-19, guidelines have been issued for the citizens to celebrate this year’s Chhath Puja festival in a simple manner and a circular has been issued by the Maharashtra State Government’s Home Department in this regard.

The guidelines read, “Chhath Puja will be celebrated from the sunset of November 9 till sunrise on November 10. Considering the prevalence of Covid disease, for the last one and a half years, all religious festivals have been celebrated in a very simple manner. Although the second wave of corona has subsided, the threat of corona still remains.

Therefore, it would not be appropriate for a large number of citizens to gather and celebrate the festival. It is imperative that all citizens take proper precautions from the point of view of health while celebrating the festival.

Care should be taken to ensure that the Chhath Puja festival is limited to domestic purposes even if the religious places in the state which were closed due to Covid infection are reopened.

Citizens should avoid crowds without coming together on the banks of rivers, lakes or the sea and should celebrate Chhath Puja in a simple manner by staying at home. Senior citizens as well as children should avoid leaving the house as much as possible.

With the help of Municipal Corporation / Local Authority, People’s Representatives, NGOs etc., an artificial pond should be constructed at the place of Chhath Puja program and disinfection etc. should be done at that place for hygiene. Measures should be taken and awareness should be created about safety and hygiene measures. Masks should be used at the place of Chhath Puja and safe distance should be observed so that the corona infection does not increase.

Care should be taken to strictly follow the rules in these guidelines. Emphasis should be placed on broadcasting such programs through online, cable network, Facebook, etc. whenever possible.

No pavilion of any kind should be erected at the place of Chhath Puja festival.

To prevent the outbreak of Covid-19, the Government Relief, Rehabilitation, Health, Environment, Medical Education Department, as well as the concerned Municipal Corporation, Police, Local Administration should strictly follow the prescribed rules from time to time.”