LUCKNOW: If you are above 60 years of age or are suffering from an illness, you are advised to not join Holi processions this year.
Issuing this advisory, the home department categorically stated that in processions, programmes and festivities, those who fall under high-risk categories such as children below 10 years of age, elders above 60 and people with comorbidity should not take take part.
Lucknow police also issued guidelines ahead of Holi, Holika Dahan and Shab-e-Barat processions falling next week.
The police, using its power, extended prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC till April 5 in view of ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Following this, no new permission to stall a Holika or carry out a procession has been granted this year.
Only processions which have been going on since ages have been given permission but with certain strict guidelines and precautions. Similarly, no new permission has been given for Holika dahans and carrying out Shab-e-Barat processions.
Meanwhile, for holding any event involving gathering of more than five, it has been mandatory for organisers to seek prior permission from district and police officials. As many as 2,962 holikas in the commissionerate have sought permission.
To ensure law and order, seven companies of PAC will be deployed in the city as Holika Dahan and Shabe-Baraat are falling same day.