Amid the concerns over the surge in the Covid-19 cases, the governments of different states have been advising the people to not to organise gatherings as it might result in spreading of the virus.
On Friday, India recorded 62,276 new covid positive patients. Out of this, 79% cases were from six states that include Maharashtra, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Gujarat. Therefore, in view of the present situation of Corona, many states including Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab and Bihar have banned Holi gatherings.
Meanwhile, the Rajasthan government has given permission for the holi celebrations from 4 pm to 10 pm.
As per the recent advisory by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), the vigilance team under the district magistrates will be monitoring the gatherings and celebrations at the public places.
Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain, said, "I would appeal to all that we must celebrate the festivals within our homes. These festivals will every year and once the situation gets better we can celebrate them publicly but as of now public celebrations might result in another spike in the Covid-19 cases, therefore, celebrations at public places and gatherings must be avoided. Various teams have been constituted to monitor the celebrations and strict action will be taken against the violators," he added.
In Punjab, the Captain-led-Congress government has put restrictions on all types of Holi celebrations including parties at clubs and hotels. “The violators will be punished if there would be crowd in the market. It is necessary to wear a mask in the market”, the orders read.
In Himachal Pradesh, no social and cultural programs are allowed to be organised. Only 200 people can participate in outdoor events and 50 in indoor events. All the universities, colleges, technical institutes and schools have been ordered to remain close till 4 April.
In Uttarakhand and Bihar, the government has asked that people to follow all the covid norms during the Holi and Mahakumbh celebrations. People found not wearing mask or following social distancing, will be fined. Besides, it asked the public to better celebrate holi at their homes.
In Maharashtra, there is a prohibition on Holi celebrations in private and public places on 28 and 29 March. Holi celebrations are banned in public and private places in Pune as well. People are not allowed to celebrate holi in public places like hotels, resorts and even in rural areas.