NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, OCT 16
Justifying restrictions placed on Navratri events in Gujarat this year in view of the coronavirus pandemic, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Friday said his government gave priority to public health over celebrations.
He made the statement a day before the commencement of the nine-day Navratri festival, one of the biggest religious events in Gujarat.
નવરાત્રી દરમ્યાન ફ્લેટ કે સોસાયટીઓના રહીશોએ તેમના સ્થળ કે પ્રિમાઈસીસમાં માતાજીની પૂજા – આરતી માટે પોલીસની કોઇપણ મંજૂરી મેળવવાની આવશ્યકતા રહેશે નહીં. નવરાત્રી દરમ્યાન જાહેર સ્થળો, માર્ગો અને સાર્વજનિક સ્થાનોમાં માતાજીની આરતી – પૂજાના કાર્યક્રમ માટે પોલીસની મંજૂરી મેળવવાની રહેશે.
— Vijay Rupani (Modi Ka Parivar) (@vijayrupanibjp) October 16, 2020
The Gujarat government has banned organisation of ”garba” events, a key feature of Navratri involving traditional dance, across the state.
A week back, the state government had said permission will not be granted for Navratri celebrations, be it commercial garba events or those held inside residential societies.
તહેવારોનું આપણા જીવનમાં ખૂબ મહત્વ રહેલું છે પણ જીવના જોખમે તહેવારો ઉજવવા એ પણ આપણી સમજદારી નથી.#ShaktiVandana pic.twitter.com/vdpQdQPP05
— Vijay Rupani (Modi Ka Parivar) (@vijayrupanibjp) October 16, 2020
“Navratri holds special importance for the people of Gujarat. People eagerly wait to enjoy garba during this season.
“But this time, the situation is different. The entire world is fighting against coronavirus,” said Rupani in a video message.
“We are also fighting against this pandemic. Putting special emphasis on public health, we have not permitted for Navratri events this time.
“People’s health is our priority and we must ensure that efforts we all have made so far to control the outbreak do not go in vain,” said the CM.
He said though festivals are important, it is not advisable to risk lives to celebrate them.
Rupani sought people’s cooperation and hoped citizens understand the seriousness of the situation.
“I know that you all agree with me on this. The government took a tough decision in the interest of the people.
“I appeal to people to wear masks, wash hands properly and regularly and maintain social distancing until a vaccine comes,” he added.
However, the Gujarat govt declared that those who want to organise programmes in residential colonies for Navratri ‘puja-archana’ are not required to take police permission. Only those who want to hold garbas in public places and roads have to obtain the police permission.
