Ranchi, Nov 17 (UNI) Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday chaired the meeting of state disaster management authority during which discussions were held over organising the Chhath festival in the state.

The Chief Minister said that Chhath Mahaparv is related with religious beliefs and faith of the people and in this four-day long festival. A large number of people participate by gathering at the river bodies to perform the evening and morning Arghya.

In wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, all necessary arrangements should be made so that the festival can be safely celebrated. He said that keeping in account the feelings of the people the government has decided to make minor amendments in the directions which were issued earlier.



The Chief Minister also urged the people to maintain social distancing when they gather at the water bodies as Coronavirus has not ended and even today there was no medicine available for it and urged the people to extend similar cooperation to the state government which they had extended earlier.

On a personal note, he requested the people to observe the festival as much as possible in their homes.

In the meeting the advisories issued in the neighbouring state of Bihar and other states were also discussed.

Health Minister Banna Gupta said that this festival is associated with the religious faith of the people and holds great significance in the lives of people of Jharkhand and Bihar as people in large numbers celebrate the festival. He said that after keeping into account the sentiments of the people some minor changes are being made in the guidelines which were issued earlier.

Chief Secretary Sukhdeo Singh, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Rajeev Arun Ekka and other officials were also present on the occasion.

UNI AK RN