Bengal CM Bans Cultural Programmes On Durga Puja This Year, Among Other Guidelines

This Year, West Bengal will not have any kind of cultural programmes during Durga Puja, as per the new guidelines recently issued by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. By Tanvi Jain

 

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently announced that this year there won’t be any grand Durga Puja carnival or any cultural programmes in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In a new set of guidelines issued for the upcoming celebrations, she has requested pandal organisers to keep it open from all four sides in order to allow cross-ventilation, provide hand sanitisers to all visitors, and allow entry only to those wearing a mask. 

“I am requesting all to keep Durga puja pandal open and spacious. If sides are covered, then keep the roof open. If the roof is closed, then keep sides open. Also, maintain physical distancing,” she told the media. 

 

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Moreover, she also announced INR 50,000 for each Durga Puja committee on behalf of the state government, and a one–time grant of INR 2,000 each to over 80,000 hawkers ahead of Durga Puja. “Due to the ongoing pandemic, hawkers have been badly affected. To uplift the spirits of 81,000+ hawkers in the state, @MamataOfficial will provide a grant of Rs. 2,000 to them, ahead of Durga Puja. Everyone shall enjoy this festive season in full glory!” All India Trinamool Congress posted on its official twitter handle. 

Other do’s and don’ts for this year’s celebrations include, face shields for volunteers, amid other COVID-19 safety protocols, enough slots for rituals, such as anjali and sindoor khela, the announcement of mantras on a mic, in order avoid crowding and allow people to easily listen from a distance, immersion to happen in slots, etc.  

 

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Moreover, Durga Puja pandals won’t be charged any kind of fee by the fire brigade or any civic body and will be allowed a 50 per cent discount on the electricity bill by CESC. Furthermore, every pandal needs to have a public announcement system, and Durga Puja should be viewed virtually.   

Related: How Kolkata’s Iconic Bonedi Bari Durga Pujas Will Be Celebrated This Year Amidst Pandemic