DIBRUGARH, Sept 12 - In view of the rising cases of novel coronavirus, this year the Durga puja festival in the city here will be held without any idols.
In a meeting held with majority of the community Durga puja committees of the city here, it was decided that to avoid crowds instead of observing with customary idols of Goddess Durga and other deities, the festival would be observed as per the Vedic rites.
The meeting, presided over by Deputy Commissioner Pallav Gopal Jha, was held at the conference hall of the office of the Deputy Commissioner. Following the meeting, it has been communicated that permission will not be issued for organising roadside pujas. Neither markets, exhibitions, kiosks nor any sort of funfair will be allowed. The administration has also discouraged distribution of prasads, holding of cultural events and putting up marquee and other decorations.
Meanwhile, the temples which have idols installed will have to close by 6 pm. All those devotees visiting the temple will have to follow the Covid protocol. At one time, not more than 10 persons, including the priest, can be inside the temple premises, a release stated.
