JAIPUR: Maha Saptami will be celebrated on Tuesday, the most auspicious day in Durga Puja when it is believed that the battle between Maa Durga and king Mahishasur began. Pandals in the city are decked up for special celebrations on the day.
Most of the celebrations and Navratri events’ organisation will not be done on a grand scale this year due to the pandemic. With the Maha Puja beginning, Durga Bari association will allow only a small group of visitors. The committee members will also be allowed in groups of 5 to 10. Strict guidelines to maintain social distance will be followed.
Another Durga Puja celebration at Adinath Nagar on JLN Marg will allow people who have received special invitation for ‘bhog prasadi’. All rituals will be observed following social distancing.
In Vaishali area, where a grand celebration used to take place during Durga Puja, the committee members have decided to celebrate in the temple basement, with limited committee members.
For dandiya and garba during the Navratri, the organisers are going to follow the government guidelines of allowing 200 people in the event with at least one dose of vaccine.
Rohit Sharma, one such organiser in Vishwakarma Industrial Area said that he will allow a number of people with at least one jab of vaccine as mentioned in the guidelines. “It is a small event and only committee members are allowed, but we will follow guidelines. Certificates will be checked before allowing people inside,” he said.
An organiser at Raja Park has resumed selling tickets to people for dandiya. “Only 180 people will be allowed at a time as per government guidelines. Celebration will be low profile this year,” said Ravindra.
In many other places in Jaipur, dandiya is organised only within the colony, with contribution from various houses. There will be no grand celebration this year.
