In view of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, the Jharkhand government has decided to ban the organization of Chhath Puja celebrations on the shores of bodies of water. Chhat Puja, observed mainly by people from Bihar, Jharkhand and bordering areas in Uttar Pradesh, will be celebrated on November 20.
“Chhath Puja will not be allowed in bodies of water, including public ponds, lakes, rivers, dams, reservoirs in view of the Covid-19 pandemic,” read a notice issued by the government.
As part of this puja, devotees congregate on the shores of bodies of water, take a sacred bath, and perform some rituals, all standing in the water. “Due to the fixed schedule to perform the aforementioned rituals, it is not possible to ensure social distancing,” the notice said.
“The ritual of sacred baths in common waters is a matter of great concern,” the notice noted, adding that it would increase the chances of Covid-19 spreading and contaminating the water. “It is important to strike a balance between allowing religious activities and ensuring that checks and balances are in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus,” it further reads.
The governments of Kolkata and New Delhi have also imposed restrictions on this year’s celebrations.
India registered 30,548 new cases of Covid-19 on Monday. The total number of people infected with the disease has risen to 8,845,127, while 130,070 have died so far.
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