Durga Puja is knocking on the door and people in Kolkata have already started making their pujo plans. Also, the West Bengal government has issued the Durga Puja guidelines, following which the puja committees will make arrangements for pandal hopping from Tritiya. Tritiya falls three days before the start of the actual five-day festival. Having said that, the question arises, is it really safe to explore pandals this year, with the coronavirus still spreading like wildfire? The answer is definitely ‘No’. But still, if you want to visit the pandals at your own risk, here are some ways to explore them in a safe and socially-distanced way.
1. Follow Foot Markings And Keep A Minimum Of 6-Feet Distance From Others
Maintain at least six-feet distance from all the other visitors of the pandals. Try to keep safe distances from your own friends as well. If there are foot markings inside and around the pandals, they will assist you to cover the pandal with proper social distancing. Follow the foot markings, even if nobody corrects or punishes you for not doing so. Also, Kolkata has some spectacular heritage homes where you can stay in traditional Bengali style this Durga Puja, skipping the pandal crowd.
2. Avoid Touching Surfaces
While standing in the queues for pandal hopping, many of us have the habit of holding the tied bamboo rods or grills while walking ahead. But this year, to avoid getting infected, refrain from touching any surface susceptible to human touch.
3. Don’t Stand At One Place For Long For Taking Photographs
Avoid standing at one place for long for taking selfies, groupfies or even the snap of the Durga idol. Move ahead in a flow and make space for others to cover the pandal area in a safe, hassle-free and socially distanced way.
4. Carry A Sanitizer And Disinfecting Wipes
According to the government’s guidelines, pandal authorities must provide hand sanitizer to every visitor. And you must carry your own sanitizer as well. Use disinfecting wipes to wipe down surfaces. When you are sitting on a bench or a restaurant seat, you must wipe them down at first.
Also Read: 10 Things To Do In Kolkata During Durga Puja Under ₹200
5. Always Wear A Face Mask
There will be hundreds of people stepping out during Durga Puja. The puja committees have been directed to allow entry of only those visitors who will wear face masks. However, many people are not putting on masks in Kolkata at present. And in most cases, nobody is warning them or imposing any fine on them. So, it must be the responsibility of each and every individual at the pandal to wear a mask for their own safety and for the safety of others. It will combat the spread of the infection through sneezing or minor coughing.
6. Try To Wear Head Covers And Gloves Too
We know Durga Puja is all about dressing up in the most gorgeous or handsome way in the best of attires, but this year the scenario is different. Therefore, it would be wise, if you can do away with styling and wear headgears and gloves too, along with face masks. The perk of wearing gloves is that you would have lesser chances of getting infected while touching surfaces. Before eating something, you can simply open your gloves, put them aside and sanitise your hands.
7. Avoid Streetside Food
7. Avoid Streetside FoodIf you think about eating outside, ensure to eat in a closed place where you can sit and follow social distancing. Avoid heading to streetside stalls selling fish fries, phuchkas, biryani and more that attract a large number of people.
8. Avoid Crowded Zones
No matter how much we stay aware of the COVID-19 guidelines, chances are there that some places will still get jam-packed with people. Ensure to avoid such places as the risk of the virus spread will be maximum in these zones.
Also Read: Kolkata To Offer Unique Drive-In Durga Puja This Year Amid COVID-19
Before planning your pandal hopping schedules, make sure to follow an immunity-boosting diet by consuming a lot of nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables and more. You can also consult a doctor to confirm if you can take a supplement to shield your body against harmful infections. Be safe, be responsible and have an amazing Durga Puja ahead. Meanwhile, here are three steps to get the perfect Bengali look this Durga Puja: