Jharkhand Unlock: No weekend lockdown on Sundays, Government allows chhath festivity along waterbodies

Diwali, Kali Puja also permitted, marriage parties upper guests limit increased to 500

Schools to have online classes for class five and below

Ranchi, Oct 29: Jharkhand government has allowed observance of Chhath festivity on the banks of waterbodies and river ghats.

The decision was taken in the Jharkhand State Disaster Management Authority meeting held on Friday at Ranchi under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Hemant Soren regarding restrictions/exemptions in view of Covid-19.

“We have decided to allow certain restrictions in the lockdown as the Covid cases have decreased. However, we should be cautious as fresh Covid cases continue to be reported from some parts. We have allowed observance of Chhath festivity but people should follow all Covid precautious,” said Hemant Soren speaking to media after the meeting.

“People can celebrate the festivity both in the evening of November 10 and dawn of November 11. However, there will be restriction on crowds at the ghats with a maximum of 500 persons allowed at a time. Strict compliance of Covid protocols, including wearing of masks and maintaining of social distance will have to be followed,” said Banna Gupta, the state disaster management minister.

Significantly, the Jharkhand government had last year in November during the first wave of Covid had banned chhath puja celebration at the bank of water bodies but had to take back its orders within 24 hours due to pressure from BJP and religious groups and allowed observance of rituals at the water bodies.

The meeting on Friday also allowed the celebration of Diwali, Kali Puja and Chitragupt Puja with strict compliance of Covid protocols.

The meeting also acceded to the repeated demands of traders outfit for allowing shops to be opened on Sundays and lifting curbs on market timings in view of rush in shopping due to Diwali and Dhanteras.

All shops will be allowed to open on Sunday like normal days and all shops, cinemas, clubs etc. can remain open till normal period.

Incidentally, earlier due to Covid induced weekend lockdown only shops selling medicines, essential items, edible items, groceries, fuel outlets and hotels and restaurants were allowed to be open on Sundays.

Even on weekdays shops were allowed to be open till 8 pm and there had been representations from various trade bodies for relaxation on these two aspects due to Diwali and Dhanteras rush in market.

The upper limit of gathering in outdoor at one place was increased to 500 or 50 per cent of the hall/banquet hall capacity. This would allow marriage parties to allow 500 persons at one point of time.

“One needs to take permission from deputy commissioner for all gathering above 500 persons,” said a release issued by the government.

Curbs on fairs, procession and exhibition continues.

The meeting also allowed coaching centers for class seven and above to operate.  It also allowed Anganwadi centers to open, but full vaccination of the concerned servant and helper will be mandatory.

However, offline classes for class five and below would continue to remain prohibited at schools. Incidentally, classes for six  and above was allowed by the state in September.

Permission granted to open swimming pool for players while  spectators of 50 percent of the stadium’s capacity have been allowed for sports activities. Food and drink will not be allowed for spectators in the stadium.