Navratri 2020 Image: No Garba events allowed in Gujarat during Navratri due to Covid-19
On Navratri this year there will be no Garba event in Gujarat. The pomp and grandeur associated with Navratri in the state will be largely missing. The Gujarat government on Friday said Garba get-togethers will not be allowed during Navratri, starting October 17. A set of Covid-related guidelines for the festive season has been issued. Navratri in Gujarat usually sees large gatherings, which can lead to a spike in COVID-19 infections in the state, authorities said.
Navratri 2020: No Garba, Gujarat's Festive Season Guidelines
- No Garba event will be allowed in Gujarat - big, medium or small
- People can hold small gatherings for praying to Goddess Durga
- More than 200 people cannot be present at the prayer sessions
- Durga prayer sessions cannot exceed an hour
- Strict vigil will be kept so that nobody can perform Garba at the gatherings
- People who want to organise prayer sessions will need to take prior permission from the government
- At prayer gatherings, COVID-19-related norms such as maintaining social distance, using masks and sanitizers are mandatory
- Citizens above 65, children below 10, pregnant women and people with comorbidities should avoid participating in any public programme during Navratri
- If any gathering is organised, people will have to do floor markings with minimum distance of six feet
- Thermal scanners are compulsory at Navratri community prayers and other events
- During Dussehra, burning of effigies of Ravana, Ramlila Yatras will not be allowed
- Exhibitions and fairs will not be allowed from Navratri to Diwali
- People have been advised to celebrate Dussehra, Durga Puja, Diwali, Gujarati New Year, Bhai Dooj and Sharad Poornima at home with families
- For any functions like marriage ceremonies, up to 100 guests can attend. The same number of people are allowed at funerals as well
Navratri is one of the most popular festivals of Gujarat. Garba events attract revellers from across the world. Garba is a popular folk dance of Gujarat and is performed with passion and fervour during Navratri.