With the festive season of Makar Sankranti, Ganga Sagar Mela, Pongal and Uttarayan just round the corner, several states have imposed strict curbs to prevent a further rise in Covid-19 cases. India is already facing a coronavirus third wave with Omicron variant cases on the rise. It’s only necessary to tone down the celebrations and take ample precautions to stay safe. So, here are some states that have imposed strict curbs for the festive season.
1. Uttarakhand
The Uttarakhand government extended the night curfew in the state by an hour from 10 pm to 6 am instead of the earlier, 10 pm to 5 am. Ahead of Makar Sankranti, the Haridwar district administration has implemented a total ban on devotees from taking holy dips during the festival. Moreover, dhabas, eateries and hotels in the state can only operate at 50 per cent capacity.
2. West Bengal
West Bengal government has made Covid-19 certificates of both vaccine doses mandatory to enter the Gangasagar Mela. People with negative RT-PCR reports taken within 72 hours of testing can also enter the Gangasagar Mela. The Court revealed that a two-member committee will be present to ensure all participants adhere to the Covid-19 protocols.
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3. Odisha
Ahead of Makar Sankranti and Pongal celebrations on January 14, Odisha has shut down all places of worship and also banned people from forming congregations to take a dip in water bodies. The government has urged people to perform all rituals in the comfort and safety of one’s homes. These rules were implemented after the state witnessed 7071 new Covid-19 cases on January 11.
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4. Gujarat
Gujarat’s night curfew in Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot and Ahmedabad from 10 pm to 6 am will continue amid Uttarayan and Makar Sankranti celebrations on January 14. The state government has decided to not allow over 150 people in educational, cultural, religious, social and political gatherings. Kite flying will be prohibited in public places. The festival must only be celebrated in housing societies.
Also Read: Ahmedabad’s Patang Kite Museum Houses A 16 Feet Kite
5. Tamil Nadu
For Pongal, Tamil Nadu has imposed strict rules that restrict people’s entry into places of worship from January 14 to 18. Night curfew in Tamil Nadu will continue till January 31 with a complete lockdown on Sunday. Buses in the state will run at 75 per cent capacity for Pongal celebrations. For events like Jallikattu, Vadamaadu and Manjuvirattu only 150 spectators will be allowed or 50 per cent of seating capacity. Everyone attending the event must show vaccination certificates of the two doses and a negative RT-PCR report taken two days prior to the event.
So, these are some of the rules that must be adhered to in these states during the festive season.
First Published: January 12, 2022 12:33 PM