A few mandatory guidelines have been issued by the Goa Disaster Management Authority (GDMA) that are to be followed during the Janmashtami and Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the news reports, the guidelines state that markets will be constantly monitored by the concerned bodies. To ensure social distancing norms are followed, the Goa police has to be on regular duty.
Janmashtami
The state government has banned Dahi Handi celebrations and social or religious gatherings for Janmashtami in the district. In addition, everyone has to abide by social distancing rules, wear face covers, use handwash and sanitiser.
The markets selling festival-related goods shall be monitored by the local bodies and police to ensure that social distancing norms are followed.
Reportedly, the authorities have asked shop owners to keep sale timings should be long and staggered to avoid crowding.Ganesh Chaturthi
On the other hand, Ganesh Chaturthi festival will be celebrated August 22 onward. Keeping in account the possibility of festival-related travel, people who cross the Goa border for bringing home Ganpati idol for personal use or sale and leave Goa, within 24 hours, won’t be asked to undergo quarantine or COVID-19 tests. However, they will be required to make entry to that effect with staff on duty at Goa border check posts.
People who belong to Goa, but stay in different parts of India shall be permitted to enter the state if they present the SOP of COVID negative certificate of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) authorised lab/test along with quarantine for 14 days or till test results are out.
Persons, who are going out of Goa for celebration outside the state, do not need an ‘exit permit’ from Goa. However, on their return to Goa, the existing protocol to be followed.
Persons, who are leaving Goa to celebrate in other states, won’t have to get an exit permit from Goa. However, they have to follow the existing rules on their return to Goa.