A strange magic imbued with nostalgia fills the air as the floating clouds, kash phool and Flipkart Pujo Sale notifications remind us that Durga Puja is barely a month away. In the midst of an ongoing global pandemic, Durga Puja might not really be the same this year, but the question is, how different will it be? With only a month remaining for the commencement of Bengal's greatest extravaganza, the state government is set to finalize crowd management and sanitization plans with Pujo organizers across Kolkata. Here's a sneak peek into the basic guidelines and safety measures to be enforced during the celebrations amid Covid spread in the country.
Remember the huge crowd that struggled to dash into the pandal as soon as the ropes were lifted as if their lives depended on it? No chance of that this year. According to the guidelines, only a few visitors will be permitted into the Puja pandal at one go. All the visitors will be asked to move constantly without stopping to click pictures, which would otherwise have created a crowd inside the pandal. So, turn that shutter speed up high or you will have to do with grainy, unfocused (and not instagrammable) pictures.
According to the latest news, the pandal should be open on all four sides (nothing like the previous years) to allow proper ventilation. And adhering to the norms of the New Normal, wearing masks will be mandatory and hand sanitizers will be placed at the entry gate of every pandal.
Unfortunately, we'll be missing out on the grand Durga Puja Carnival this year, as stated by the Chief Minister. Cultural programmes have also been forbidden inside the puja pandals. Also, North Calcutta's famous Rajbaris will restrict the entry of visitors and photographers into their premises this year.
Durga Puja is a celebration that grasps every bong's emotion and while a pandemic has dampened the spirit of crores of Bengalis, lets not forget that Kumartuli is still busy at work carving the Goddess. The first mystic beats of the dhak will soon unfold memories soaked in nostalgia as we gather with our family, throwing open all doors, to welcome Durga into our homes and hearts.
Have a safe and happy festive season.
Sources:
www.timesnownews.com
www.hindustantimes.com
