Despite the state government imposing restrictions on crowds at puja pandals in the State Capital saying the Covid pandemic is not over yet, citizens thronged various puja pandals. Wednesday, being Mahaastmi, huge crowds were witnessed at various puja pandals. However, compared to previous years this year too crowd presence at pandals is thin.
The State government has urged people to take precautionary measures against the contagion and celebrate the festival from home. Various puja pandals too have imposed restrictions as the pandemic is not over yet.
OCC club popularly known as Bangla School has restricted the entry of devotees who are not wearing masks. The club is strictly following the guidelines and only those who are wearing masks are allowed entry.
Ranchi Railway Station Durga Puja committee which has constructed the pandals with 1000 bamboo sticks too has imposed restrictions on large crowds inside the pandals.
Munchun Rai the convener of Station Road Durga Puja committee said, "Our volunteers are standing at the entrance gate of pandals managing the crowd. We are also ensuring that people follow all Covid protocols. Those who are reaching pandals without masks our volunteers are providing them masks. Use of sanitisers and social distancing are other measures followed at Durga Puja pandals."
Apart from these various puja pandals have put up banners and posters of Covid protocols. Covid test facilities and vaccination centres have been set up at various puja pandals by district administration.
Political leaders too are creating awareness about corona pandemic.Ranchi MP Sanjay Seth who has inaugurated various puja pandals, on Wednesday distributed oxymeter and thermal scanner to different puja pandals. Seth in past three days has distributed more than hundred thermal scanner and oximeter to various puja pandals.
Seth said, "The idea behind distribution of thermal scanner and oximeter is that people visiting pandals' temperature is measured so that those persons having symptoms of corona are not allowed entry."
Seth also urged people to follow all Covid protocols and contribute in checking the infections.
