GUWAHATI: The Assam government on Friday issued special advisory for organising Durga Puja this year. According to the newly issued advisory, there shall be no mela or stalls in and around the Puja Pandals and no temporary pandals shall be allow on and by side of any street.
It has been further directed that a maximum of 40 persons inclusive of organisers, devotees and priests shall be allowed to gather at any time in the Puja pandals subject to there being sufficient space to maintain Social distancing.
Puja organisers should not allow any person to enter the Pula premises without face cover and washing of hands. It will be the responsibility of the Puja organisers to arrange for facilities for hand-washing/sanitization at the entrance of the Puja premises.
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All visitors to Puja location shall be subjected to thermal scanning by organisers and no person with any symptom related to COVID-19 shall be allowed to enter the Puja pandals.
In case any person/visitor to Puja pandal is suspected to be symptomatic with COVID-19, it will be the responsibility of the Puja organisers to inform the nearest government medical facility and arrange for the shifting of such persons to the nearest COVID treatment centre.
This year there will be no permission for immersion procession shall be given under any circumstances.
It has been further directed that the size of the idol should be such that not more than three persons are required for immersion. For smooth and convenient immersion, it is advised that Puja organisers may go in for a modular Idol which is assembled from parts, the height of which should not be more than 10 feet. Further, it is advised that in case of an idol made of compact monolithic material the height may be confined to a maximum of 6 feet for smooth immersion.
Deputy Commissioners shall make necessary arrangements to ensure that the immersion is staggered over three day period to avoid congestion and large gathering on any one day.