In the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic and the speculations about the protocols, the much-awaited Durga Puja festival which heralds the start of the Autumn season is going to be celebrated in Assam following all the COVID-19 protocols.
Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday, September 8, said that Durga Puja is going to be certainly celebrated within the state but with caution and following all COVID-19 protocols. There was quite uncertainty among the people, organisers and idol artisans regarding the celebration of Durga Puja but his statement gave a clear vision to them.
With this announcement by CM Sarma, it seems that everyone will have a transparent picture of celebrating the festival with zeal and enthusiasm following COVID-19 protocols.
Significance of the five day Durga Puja
The first five auspicious days of Durga Puja are celebrated as Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami and Vijayadashami. The first day of Durga Puja festival is Mahalaya and marks the beginning of the puja. Each and every day has its own meaning and significance. It’s said that on the day of Mahalaya there was a clash between the demons and devas and Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura marking the end of the evil.
Guidelines followed during Durga Puja 2020
In the previous year, Durga Puja had to be celebrated with restrictions as the Assam Government issued similar protocols for celebrating Durga Puja 2020.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during a press conference held in Guwahati said that the government has not imposed any ban on the celebration of Durga Puja but the organizers have to follow government guidelines.
Volunteers and priests required mandatory COVID testing
Last year, as per the guidelines, every volunteer, priests and puja organizers were mandatorily tested for COVID-19 before the puja started (on Panchami day) and after immersion (Ekadasi day).
