Gudi Padwa, the Maharashtrian New Year, will be celebrated tomorrow (Tuesday, March 13). However, the celebrations will be dampened this year due to the alarming rise in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray-led government has issued a list of guidelines to be followed during the Gudi Padwa celebrations this year. As per the guidelines, a gathering of more than five people is prohibited in public places from 7 am to 8 pm across the state. Processions, bike rallies, etc. have also been banned.
Check out the full list of guidelines:
1. The government has urged the people for a low-key celebration from 7 am to 8 pm (as there is a night curfew from 8 pm onwards).
2. The government has banned processions, bike rallies and prabhat pheris, which are traditionally organised to welcome the new New Year.
3. A gathering of more than five people is prohibited in public places from 7 am to 8 pm across the state.
4. Following social distancing and other COVID-19 norms, the gudis should be assembled at homes.
5. On Gudi Padwa, the government has urged the local administration to organise health camps, blood donation camps, camps to raise awareness about cleanliness, etc, However, COVID-19 norms must be strictly followed.
Amid the raging pandemic, similar guidelines were also issued during the festivals of Ganesh Utsav, Eid, Dussehra, Christmas, etc.
