Meghalaya gears up to celebrate a safe puja, issues new SOP

In India, the approach of the festive season marks the season of gathering and merrymaking. But in the present times, the more the gathering, the more is the chances of spread of Coronavirus.

In order to stay away from any such kind of menace, the Meghalaya Government has issued a set of new SOP. The SOP has been prepared after due consultation with the Central Puja Committee (CPC).

The idol which is to be put in the pandals should be in a single frame and must not be more than 5 feet. The pandals are ordered to use a minimum of embellishments and lightings. Organizing any kind of fair or game within the puja pandal complex is strictly prohibited.

Instead of cooked khichri, dry and packed Prashad will be served. The use of face masks has been made mandatory and the visitors have to maintain a physical distance of 5 metres.

During the time of emersion, no puja committee is allowed to take out any kind of foot procession and a maximum of 20 members are allowed to go for immersion. 4 PM is the last time to complete all the immersion.

Persons who are above the age of 65 or have comorbidities or are pregnant or children are advised to stay at home. Other members who have to stay in the pandals like that of the committee members, drummers, helpers, and volunteers have to be fully vaccinated.

Separate ways for entry and exits are to be made in every pandal, adequate supplies of sanitizers, masks must be available. Symptomatic persons are not allowed to visit the pandals.

During the time of emersion, no puja committee is allowed to take out any kind of foot procession and a maximum of 20 members are allowed to go for immersion. 4 PM is the last time to complete all the immersion.

As happening now, the days of Durga puja will also have curfew timings from 10 PM.