‘Don’t lower your guard during Durga puja festival’
Puja committees urge devotees to maintain physical distance for safety of themselves and others
In the wake of Covid-19 pandemic and government restrictions, Durga puja committees in the state capital have appealed to devotees not to lower their guard and maintain physical distance for the safety of themselves and others.
Swami Muktinathananda, president of Ramakrishna Math, has urged devotees not to become complacent during the festival time as the fight against the pandemic was still on.
“Devotees are welcome but should follow all Covid-19 guidelines. Pandal hoppers must wear mask when they enter the premises and should cooperate with our volunteers in maintaining social distancing,” he said while addressing a press conference on Wednesday.
“The special attention will be ‘Kumari Puja’ to be held on Saturday at 9.30 am. It symbolises the presence of the ‘Divine Mother’ within every woman and tries to infuse a sense of respect and dignity to be
A Goddess Durga idol installed at Lucknow’s Bengali Club.
accorded to all women. All these rituals will be streamed via our official YouTube channel,” he said.
“Sandhi puja is another key attraction comprising the concluding 24 minutes of Ashtami and starting 24 minutes of Navami from 6:35 am to 7:23 am on Saturday. During this 48 minutes’ crucial period, the divine presence of the universal
mother is palpably felt by all present,” he added.
Arun Banerjee, president of Bengali Club, has appealed to the citizens to maintain 6 feet distance, wash their hands with sanitiser and to wear face masks when they visit Durga pandal. Masks will be distributed to devotees as well to sensitise them, he added.
“The restrictions imposed
due to Covid-19 are diminishing the fervour among most of us. To cheer you up and keep devotees updated with the celebrations, Bengali Club and Youngmen’s Association, Lucknow is happy to go live on facebook and YouTube during these days. People can watch Pushpanjali, Sandhi Puja and Aarti on social media,” Banerjee said.
Meanwhile, Cantonment
Durga puja committee has also appealed to devotees to maintain social distancing. Sudip Sanyal of Joginder Pathak Road said, “Durga puja will remain a low-key affair with no bhog prasad distribution nor grand pandal or welcome gate. We will simply carry out rituals. Devotees will be given entry in small groups as overcrowding is not allowed.”