Jamshedpur, Sep 23: From live-streamed to smaller idols, and pre-recorded cultural programmes are a few of the measures being taken by organizers in Jamshedpur this year to adhere to Covid-19 regulations.
“The safety of our members and other visitors is of utmost importance for us,” said a member of the Jugsalai Durga Puja Committee that will be holding a low-key celebration this October. “Our puja used to be open to all, however, we are not in a position to accept guests now,” he said.
With the guidelines for the Durga Puja celebration in place from the State Government, the district health department has already started working on a strategy for preventive measures during the mega 10-day long festival.
The apex body of Durga Puja committees in the city, Jamshedpur Durga Puja Kendriya Samity (JDPKS) has also asked its members to streamline the rituals on social media platforms so that devotees can witness at their homes rather than gathering at pandals.
“ We have asked all the 320 puja organisers to ensure live streaming of the festival so that the devotees can view the ceremony at their own places. This will help to restrict gathering,” said Ram Babu Singh, functionary, Jamshedpur Durga Puja Kendriya Samity (JDPKS).
Puja committees of Circuit House Area, Jugsalai, Kashidih and Telco have decided to go live on social media. East Singhbhum district surveillance officer, Dr Sahir Pall said that the department has focused on conducting more tests. The focus is on such areas where positive cases have been found. He said that its essential for Durga Puja to ensure guidelines of Durga Puja are followed in spirit.
“We are in touch with puja committees to ensure that no fairs are organised. We want people not to assemble in groups. They must wear masks and use sanitizers and follow social distancing norms,” said another official. He said that if this mega festival passes off safely, COVID-19 situation will be under control.
