MANALI: With preparations for the weeklong Kullu Dussehra, starting from October 15, in full swing, Kullu administration on Thursday announced that only those who taken both the doses of Covid-19 vaccine would be allowed to join the festivities.
The district administration will send official invitations to 332 deities will be sent through SDMs and tehsildars but officials said they will not be able to pay “nazrana” (tribute) to them. The officials said Dussehra committee will have no income as commercial activities are not being allowed this year to avoid a large assembly of people. Nearly 250 deities along with thousands of followers are expected to reach Kullu on October 15 to join Lord Raghunath’s rath yatra.
Kullu deputy commissioner Ashutosh Garg appealed to all priests, musicians, followers of deities and general public to ensure getting second dose of Covid vaccine before October 15 to protect themselves and others from the virus. As thousands of people from other states and countries visit Kullu for dussehra, the DC said those coming from other states will be allowed only if they have take both the vaccine doses or they bring a negative RT-PCR report.
“Only fully vaccinated people will enter Dhalpur Dussehra ground. We are expecting public cooperation to combat the pandemic. We will also have rapid antigen testing facility available. We shall do all needful to prevent the explosion of Covid cases from Kullu Dussehra. As population under 18 is still unvaccinated, it is our responsibility to act responsibly to protect everyone,” Gard said.
“We have more than 50,000 people who received their first dose 84 days back but have not visited health centres for second dose. We will achieve 100% second dose target by November. If anybody develops symptoms like cold and fever, that person should avoid visiting Dussehra venue,” he said.
In a review meeting with officials and Dussehra committee, the DC said religious sentiments of people of Himachal will be honoured and deities will be sent invitations through administration. “Palanquins of deities will be welcomed at the Dussehra venue. A proper arrangement of their stay for a week will also be made along with their followers and others like priests and kardars. Unfortunately, there will be no commercial activity. The committee will have no earning like before. So, presenting nazrana will not be possible. We have already a detailed discussion on this topic with the major persons belonging to deities.”
Kullu SP Gurdev Chand Sharma said 400 extra police personnel will be deployed to ensure the safety of people, traffic management and law and order. He said home guards will also be deployed.
