Darjeeling, Jan. 25: Mortals will literally move away to accommodate the gods tomorrow during the Republic Day celebrations in Darjeeling.

With both Republic day and Saraswati puja coinciding, Chowrastha, the venue of all Republic day celebrations, will be hosting both the programmes simultaneously.

The Darjeeling Municipality has decided to go ahead with its own puja celebrations at the main Chowrastha Band Stage, while the district information department cannot think of holding the republic day ceremony at any other place.

The situation has forced the district information department to hold its programme beside the stage, with the invitees seated below the stand. Unlike the previous years in which the national flag was usually hoisted in front of the stand, this year the hoisting of the flag will be moved about 5 m to the right of the stand.

“There is no problem at all. The puja will take place at the venue, but the municipality has agreed not to use the microphone during our function,” said district magistrate Ariz Aftab.