The state government has come out with rules for Durga Puja 2021, drawing mostly on the ones issued for last year’s festivity. This year’s order, however, contains some leeway for customs and rituals like sindoor khela.
Rituals and customs
Pushpanjali, distribution of prasad and sindoor khela will be organised by puja committees in a “planned manner and to the extent possible in smaller groups with spaced-out timings in a staggered way,” the notification says.
Last year, the Vijaya Dashami custom of sindoor khela was not allowed.
Like last year, people who will offer pushpanjali have been advised to bring flowers to avoid chances of infection from sharing of flowers.
Cultural programme
The organisers have been barred from holding cultural events outside pandals or along roads to prevent gathering. Like last year, the Durga Puja Carnival will not be held.
Inauguration, immersion
“Inaugurations and immersions should be low-key and minimalist events without much pomp and grandeur. Wherever possible, inauguration should be in virtual mode,” the notification says.
Last year’s ban on immersion processions stays.
“No-crowd principle shall be followed. Pre-planned allocation of time of ghat slots to different puja committees should be strictly adhered to,” the notification says.
Puja judge
“Judges for various Puja award programmes should not be allowed to enter puja premises in huge convoys and large numbers....” the notification says.
“No more than two cars of judges at a time should be allowed to visit a pandal,” says the notification.
It has suggested “virtual” visits by judges wherever possible. In-person visits have been allowed between 10am and 3pm.
Spacious pandal
Pandals have to be open and spacious with separate entry and exit.
“In case it becomes essential to have a closed ceiling, the sides will have to be kept open. Pandals must keep adequate space and arrangements for ensuring physical distancing,” the notification says.
Mask, sanitiser
People inside pandals must wear masks.
“...organisers shall make adequate arrangements for distribution of masks in close vicinity of the pandal to the visitors... without... masks. Use and availability of hand sanitiser should similarly be made compulsory…” the notification says.
Permission, waiver
“Concerned authorities” should arrange for online permission for the Puja committees. The civic and fire services fees have been waived for all registered organisers.
The state government had on Friday told the high court that it wanted Durga Puja to be celebrated by adhering to all Covid norms of 2020. The court accepted the submission.
In addition to the guidelines issued by the government, the curbs imposed by the court last year will be in force this year as well. That means:
- No visitor will be allowed inside a pandal. There is no bar on pandal-hopping.
- This time, the government has withdrawn the night curfew restrictions from October 10 to 20. People can visit pandals from a distance.
- Areas within 10m of a big pandal and 5m of a small pandal to be barricaded and demarcated as a no-entry zone
- Only 25 people — members of the respective puja committees — will be allowed inside big pandals. Only 15 such people will be allowed in smaller pandals.
