Kolkata: Durga Puja will be permitted to be held this year with all Covid protocols that have been placed for last year’s festival, Chairman of the Minister of Mamata Banerjee announced on Tuesday.
But the government will later receive calls in two important activities: Hopping Pandal Night, and the Carnival of the Ujung-Puja Red Road, he said at a meeting with Puja organizers.
Banerjee cannot announce the grants and other incentives to the Puja Committee – which has become the norm in recent years – because the code of ethics available for Bypolls assembly, including in Bhowanipore, where it is a candidate.
Head of Secretary H K Dwivedi said the 36,000 Puja Committee would each receive a 50,000 Hospital grant, such as last year.
There will be other concessions too, including the neglect of costs and taxes by the Ministry of Fire and Civil Agency, and 50% of neglect on electricity bills.
“We will celebrate Puja like last year,” Banerjee said at the Puja Durga coordination meeting at the Indoor Netaji Stadium, added, “I discussed with the main secretary.
All the arrangements made last year will be maintained this year.
Please enjoy the festival, but with precautions adequate against infection.
“Last year, the state government had issued several steps to Covid control in and around pandal pubs.
Pandal must open on three sides and regularly dissed; Organizers are directed to provide sanitaryers to visitors, making masks compulsory in the pandal and set up entries.
“Let’s enjoy the puja responsibly,” CM said.
“Carnival held after Puja became very popular.
But the Covid situation has changed everything.
This festival from 11 October to 14, followed by immersion from 15 to 17 October.
Carnival is scheduled on October 18th.
We will receive a call after the election.” He said That vigil needs to be maintained not only against Covid, but also against “mischief-mongers” which prevents efforts to disrupt the harmony and friendship of the community.
CM also urges UNESCO to recognize the festival as a cultural heritage that is intangible.
“This is a unique festival, where people from every community, regardless of religion, caste, creed and dogma participate.
It reminds us that while religion is personal, a festival is for everyone.
I was surprised to find the economy around Durga Puja.
The British Council, IIT-Kharagpur and Queen Mary University of London together conducted research that pegged economic activity at RS 36,377 Crore, “he said.