Ranchi: The Sarna committees of Ranchi have decided not to take out processions during the Sarhul festival on Thursday in view of the second wave of Covid-19.
Earlier, the district administration had appealed to the Sarna committees to help it implement Covid protocols. Notably, any gathering of five or more people has been prohibited in the state since April 8.
City SP Saurav said that additional forces would be deployed around the main Puja venue at Siramtoli and also at various Sarna sthals. He said, “Processions are not expected during the festival this year. But if people do take out rallies, we will first try to dissuade them. We also have legal means to prevent them from taking out processions.”
Notably, the Sarna committees said that members of different organisations will come to the main prayer ground at Seramtoli and perform the rituals while observing social distancing norms.
Phulchand Tirkey of Kendriya Sarna Samiti said, “All 50 Sarna committees in Ranchi have stated that they would not take out a procession during Sarhul. Although the occasion will be observed with devotion, there would be no festivities. Small groups of people from different Sarna sthals would converge at Seramtoli while maintaining social distancing norms.”
Tirkey has also appealed to Adivasis in villages to perform the rituals while maintaining social distancing norms.