Delhi: Stay at home for Ganesh Chaturthi, Muharram

NEW DELHI: Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has barred public celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi and Muharram processions, which are due this month, and appealed to people to observe the religious events at home.
Following the Centre's directions related to religious gatherings during the Covid-19 pandemic, DDMA issued the prohibitory orders on idol immersions and large gatherings in public places on Sunday. The orders were issued with regard to prevention of public immersion of idols, celebrations and congregations.
The order stated that during Ganesh Chaturthi, no idol of Lord Ganesha would be allowed to be set up in a pandal or public place. People would be encouraged and advised to celebrate the festival at home. Ganesh Chaturthi falls on August 22 this year. Similarly, permission would not be granted for processions and Tajiya during Muharram and the public has been advised to observe the same in their homes and not at public places.
Many Durga Puja Samitis, including the ones that see footfall in lakhs at Chittaranjan Park and other places, have decided to just perform basic rituals and do a "ghat" or "Kalash" (holy vessel) puja instead of Pratima (idol) puja in October. The committees said it would be impossible to maintain social distancing during the five-day celebrations. They have now decided to do a one-day ritual in the presence of a handful of Samiti members.
DDMA has asked district magistrates and DCPs to convene meetings with religious and community leaders before every such festival or occasion that has the possibility of large gatherings. All empowered authorities can impose fines for violating the directives or guidelines and offences pertaining to social distancing, wearing of face mask, spitting in public places, etc on the basis of the notification issued by the health and family welfare department.
Arrangements would have to be made for deployment of dog squads, anti-terrorist squads and bomb disposal teams for intensive search and checking at religious and public places and Section 144 of CrPC could be imposed, wherever required, the order stated.
Special attention must be paid to anti-social elements and rumour mongers and social media platforms would have to be monitored round the clock. Prompt action must be taken against all objectionable posts by first blocking it and then taking strict legal action, added the order.