No Navratri celebrations and garba in Gujarat this year
Home Minister Pradipsinh Jadeja said the packaged offerings could be distributed in temples. The government has allowed the prasad to be distributed in closed packing to ensure that the transition to corona does not increase during Navratri.
Gandhinagar: Navratri is starting from October 17. Following the Koro transition, the state government has banned the planning of any kind of garba. However, Puja-Aarti is allowed. The distribution of offerings was banned in the Navratri guidelines.
However, the government has decided to give some leeway in the distribution of prasad on this issue. Home Minister Pradipsinh Jadeja said the packaged offerings could be distributed in temples. The government has allowed the prasad to be distributed in closed packing to ensure that the transition to corona does not increase during Navratri.
This year, Gujarat won’t be witnessing its trademark Navratri celebrations and garba. The Gujarat government, in its guidelines, stated that no type of garba, including public or street, will be organised in the state. Puja, aarti can be performed, in the presence of up to 200 people by installing Mataji’s idol, following SOP including social distancing. Offerings too cannot be distributed.
It was earlier announced that the dance festival will not be organised on a large scale but people, especially Khelaiyas (the dancers) were expecting a green flag for street garba. But it’s a no for Navratri celebrations this year. It has disappointed some garba-lovers but most citizens have welcomed the government’s decision.
The Ahmedabad Medical Association had been urging the state government not to allow garba this year given the Covid-19 crisis. Otherwise, the situation will worsen and if the cases increase it will be difficult to treat the patients. The medical association refused to comment on this.
On the other hand, it’s been a difficult time for artists, especially musicians and dancers, along with technicians due to the ongoing pandemic. They were hoping to get a lifeline through Navratri celebrations. The big garba organisers had earlier said that they will not be hosting festive programmes in view of the increasing graph of Covid-19 cases.
He said all the temples in the state would be opened for darshan. The state government has not closed any temple for darshan. Due to lack of space in the monasteries or being on the top of the mountain during Navratri, there is a possibility of transition if people go for darshan.
Tags:
NEWS