Gujarat Government issues new guidelines: No Garba in Gujarat this Navratri

AHMEDABAD: Keeping in mind the Covid situation in the state, Gujarat Government has proscribed organising all Garbas in public during the ensuing Navratri this year.
The guidelines of the government is to be followed from October 16.

While the devotees will be allowed to set up idols and worship the deity in open spaces in Public after obtaining permission from the local authorities, touching the deity or distribution of Prasad will not be allowed.

People have been advised to celebrate the religious events like Durga Puja, Dushera etc at home while organising processions, Ravan Dahan and Ramlila etc, which entail huge gathering will not be permitted.

The guidelines also mandate that maximum 200 people can gather for the event which can extend maximum for one hour with total adherence to the SOPs.

Cultural, religious or entertainment events will be allowed outside containment zones under certain conditions including space marking with six feet distance, use of masks through out the events, use of thermal scanner and sanitiser, hand wash and total prohibition on spitting and consuming Gutka and Paan Masala, with fifty percent capacity of the area and a maximum presence of 200 people. However people above 65 years of age, pregnant women and children have been advised to stay away from such events.

Maximum 100 people will be allowed for marriage or cremation.