DDMA allows Chhath Puja at designated spots

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), after much deliberation, on Wednesday, allowed the celebration of Chhath Puja in public at designated places with Covid-19 protocols in place, said deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia.

Earlier, the DDMA had prohibited public celebration of the festival attracting flake from the people who celebrate the festival.

"After detailed deliberations, it was decided to continue with the test, track and treat strategy along with the strict enforcement of Covid-appropriate behaviour to prevent any resurgence of infection, particularly in view of the ongoing festive season. It was decided to permit celebration of Chhath Puja at designated sites subject to strict compliance of the orders of NGT and SOPs laid down by the revenue department in this regard," LG Anil Baijal tweeted.

“Covid-19 cases in Delhi are significantly low for a while now. Experts are also of the opinion that Chhath Puja celebrations can be allowed with some strict protocols in place. It can be celebrated only at designated spots with strict adherence to social distancing and other Covid-19 regulations. It is a major festival for a large number of Delhi residents celebrate,” said Sisodia at a press briefing after attending a meeting of the DDMA.

This year, Chhath Puja will be celebrated on November 10, six days after Diwali.

For the unversed, it is a community festival involving worship of the Sun and taking dips in a water body. It is celebrated by people from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand, collectively called the Poorvanchal region.