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No Holi celebrations in THESE states as COVID-19 cases rise; check full list here
Centre asked states and union territories to consider imposing local restrictions in public observance of the upcoming festivals and limit or do away with mass gatherings for effective control of the pandemic.
Holi, the joyous festival with vibrant colours gets the spirits high. It holds great significance and a special place in the hearts of Indians as it welcomes the most beautiful spring season. The outbreak of Coronavirus has brought slight disappointment in the hearts of Indians.
The coronavirus spread has surged all over again. Many state governments and Union Territories have declared a ban on the public celebration of the Holi festival. This year Holi will be celebrated on March 29. The festival marks the arrival of the spring harvest season in the country.
On Wednesday, the Centre asked states and union territories to consider imposing local restrictions in public observance of the upcoming festivals and limit or do away with mass gatherings for effective control of the pandemic.
Following are the states and union territories that have imposed restrictions on the public celebration of the Holi festival:
Delhi
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority on Tuesday ordered that there will be no public celebrations in the national capital during upcoming festivals such as Holi and Navaratri.
"For Holi, Shab-e-Barat, Navratri, no gathering allowed at public places. We appeal to the public to follow COVID-19 directives, not drink and drive, and follow traffic rules. There should not be any traffic violations including no riding without a helmet on Holi," said Meenu Chaudhary, Joint Commissioner of Police (CP), Delhi Traffic.
Maharashtra
People should celebrate Holi in a simple manner and crowding should be avoided, the state government said on Friday.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday announced that Holi celebrations, on March 28 and 29, will not be permitted in both private or public places. The civic body in a circular announced a ban on Holi celebrations in both private and public places.
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh has issued specific guidelines ahead of Holi celebrations, including no processions to be carried out without prior permission.
According to the guidelines, people above 60 years of age, children below 10 years of age and people with co-morbidities are not allowed to participate in any kind of celebration. Also, Guests will have to undergo a COVID-19 test. Before entering a home ahead of Holi celebrations.
Large crowds at public places will be disallowed. Also, police will take appropriate steps regarding the matter.
Gujarat
The Gujarat government on Wednesday issued a notification banning the public celebration of Holi and said the ritual of "Holika Dahan" can be observed in small gatherings. As per the notification issued by the home department, public celebrations and mass functions cannot be allowed on the day of Dhuleti on March 29 due to the prevailing pandemic.
Bihar
The state government of Bihar has issued an order asking people not to congregate at public places on the day of the Holi festival. The order issued by the Home department also said that the "minimum number" of people will be allowed to gather at one place during Holika Dahan, the ritual performed on the eve of the Holi festival and Shab-e-Barat.
It said that people should maintain COVID-19 protocol such as wearing a face mask. Also, maintaining social distancing, using hand sanitiser while participating during Holika Dahan and Shab-e-Barat.
People will not be permitted to gather at public places or organise any events. Also, any activities on the day of the Holi festival, it said.
Telangana
The Telangana government has decided not to allow public celebrations in the state during the coming religious events, till April 30, to prevent the spread of Covid-19, besides making it mandatory to wear face masks in public places.
Rajasthan
Days after banning public functions on the occasion of Holi and Shab-e-Barat. The Rajasthan government has relaxed the ban and allowed holding them. The government, however, restricted the timing of holding public functions only between 4 pm and 10 pm on March 28 and 29.
Jharkhand
Ahead of festivals, the Jharkhand government has issued guidelines and prohibits celebrations. Holi, Shab-e-Barat, Navratri, Ramnavami, and Easter at public places to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
Karnataka
The Karnataka government on Thursday issued an order not allowing public celebrations. Also, gatherings or congregations during the coming festivals. Like Ugadi, Holi, Shab-e-Barat and Good Friday following a spike in COVID-19 cases.
Meghalaya
The Meghalaya government issued a new SOP for Holi celebrations amid the recent spike in COVID-19 cases. Wherein it banned public celebrations of the festival.
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Haryana
The Haryana government banned public celebrations of the upcoming Holi festival in the wake of the rise in the number of coronavirus cases in recent weeks. During the past few days, Haryana has been reporting over 800 new cases daily.
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