The matter is likely to be taken up by the High Court later this week.
A petition has been filed in the Calcutta High Court seeking to stop the Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal in view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The matter is likely to be taken up by the High Court later this week.
According to the plea, the COVID-19 situation in the state is the same as it was after Onam in Kerala.
The plea, filed by advocate Sabyasachi Chatterjee, said that the Ganesh Puja and Muharram celebrations were not allowed in Maharashtra in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising number of cases.
Earlier, the Mamata Banerjee government had announced a slew of COVID-19-related guidelines for pandal organisations as well as for the people visiting the pandals.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee directed that pandals need to be open from all four sides, adding "Hand sanitizers should be placed at entry points of pandals, and the wearing of masks to be mandatory. Physical distancing protocols should be adhered to at all public places." However, this year no cultural programmes would be allowed at the pandals.
The West Bengal CM said, "I am requesting all to keep Durga puja pandal open and spacious. If sides are covered, then keep the roof open. If the roof is closed, then keep sides open. Also, maintain physical distancing."
"People visiting the pandal must wear the mask. Keep more volunteers to ensure COVID protocols are being maintained," Mamata said, adding that cultural programme won't be allowed at pandals.
Mamata Banerjee said, "Ask volunteers to wear face shields. For 'Anjali' and 'Sindoor Khela', there should be keep slots. Announce the mantras on the mic so that people can hear it from faraway places. For Sindoor Khela, play it batch-wise."
"People are doing politics regarding this. If I don’t allow puja, they will say look they didn’t allow puja to be celebrated," she said, adding "We will virtually show Durga puja and also announces prize on the virtual platform.
The CM said that public announcement systems must be put in place at every pandal. Regarding immersion of idols, she said, "give slots to puja pandals to avoid gathering. Single window permission for Durga puja will begin on October 2."
(With ANI inputs)
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