JAIPUR: The district administration has said no procession will be held during Thursday’s Gangaur festival in the city due to surge in the cases. The tourism department, which organises the main procession in the Walled City, had cancelled the event almost two weeks ago. The administration has advised citizens to observe the festival while following the guidelines.
Collector Antar Singh Nehra said Covid restrictions are in place which did not grant permission for any procession or gatherings. “The organiser has cancelled the event due to the present situation. No other processions will be allowed on the festive day,” said Nehra. The festival is marked with a procession from City Palace to Talkatora stadium.
Pandit Dinesh Shastri, a Hindu scholar, said the festival is celebrated across the state including Jaipur, Bikaner, Kota and Udaipur. “The festival begins from the next day of Holi to the third day of Navratra. On this day, married women pray before the idol of Gangaur for healthy life of their husbands,” said Shastri, who appealed to citizens that this festival can be celebrated at homes with the same festive fervour.
The markets in Jaipur are selling paraphernalia related to festival and shoppers can be seen buying them. Shastri has appealed that attending the procession is not central to the festival. “The families should buy all articles related to the festival and can celebrate it at homes,” said Shastri.