No Garba and Dandiya nights this Navratri and Dusshera: the Guidelines by the Maharashtra Government

COVID-19 global pandemic is one of the defining events of 2020, and we all know how this pandemic has hit all walks of life! Due to the Guidelines by Maharasthra Government, this year's Navratri and Dussehra celebrations wouldn't be the same and will be very low-key.

Navratri is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, a nine-day long festival, and is celebrated with great zest and fervour across many states of India. The festival we all were looking forward to for a year will kickstart on the 17th of October.

The Maharashtra government has announced that there will be no Garba, dandiya, or any cultural events involving mass participation this year. 

The guidelines suggests:

Instead of the huge Pandals and Garba night celebration, the CM has asked pandals to instead organize health awareness programmes about COVID-19, Malaria, Dengue, and some other vector-borne or communicable diseases, and also arrange health and blood donation drives.

Considering the present situation, the Guidelines by Maharashtra Government said only a limited number of pavilions will be set up. Not more than five devotees are allowed inside the pandal at a time. There will be no food or drink served in the pandals. The Pandals are instructed to abide by all the safety rules! Social distancing, thermal screening, use of masks, and sanitizers. Pandals shall also facilitate online darshan. Arrangements will be made to make the darshan of Goddess available online, through cable networks, websites, and social media. Even the Ravan Dahan on Dussehra will be done symbolically without any crowd, and streamed online, if feasible.

So what the Guidelines by Maharashtra Government don't allow us to witness the usual celebration! Let's determine to enjoy the festivities staying home with our loved ones. Let us all wholeheartedly pray for everyone's safety and well being.

Please let us know in the comments section about how you are celebrating.

Happy Navratri to everyone! Good wishes for a joyous Navratri, with plenty of peace and prosperity.

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