Navratri 2021: PM Modi, Other Leaders Extend Greetings On First Day Of Festivity. Check State-Wise Curbs

With the onset of Navratri festival starting from Thursday, state governments have directed guidelines to control the pandemic situation by imposing necessary curbs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted the country on Navratri

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders extended greetings to the nation on the first day of the nine-day grand festival of Navratri wishing that the festival brings strength, good health and prosperity to everyone’s lives.

Modi tweeted, “Navratri greetings to everyone. The coming days are about devoting ourselves to the worship of Jagat Janani Maa. May Navratri be the bringer of strength, good health and prosperity in everyone’s lives".

In a subsequent tweet, Modi posted a photograph of Maa Shailputri, who is worshipped on the first day of Navratri. Union home minister Amit Shah also wished the country on Navratri, saying it's a grand festival where people can “realise their inner power and awaken their souls”.

Housing and urban affairs minister Hardeep Singh Puri posted a mantra while wishing the people of the country on the beginning of the nine-day festival Navratri.

While BJP chief JP Nadda also prayed for good health, happiness and good health for the people. "Om Devi Shailputra Namah. Best wishes to all countrymen on Navratri, the holy festival of worship of Mother Durga, the symbol of shakti. I pray to Jagat Janani Maa Durga for happiness, peace, prosperity, glory and health in everyone's life. Jai Mata Di!!!" he posted on Twitter.

Devotees of Goddess Durga workshop her nine forms during this nine-day long festival. People observe fast and offer their prayers to Goddess Durga. Navratri is celebrated to mark Goddess Durga's victory over demon Mahishasura, signifying the victory of good over evil.

What restrictions have been imposed in states across India?

With the onset of the Navratri festival starting from Thursday, state governments have directed guidelines to control the pandemic situation during festival time.

Maharashtra: The state government has prohibited cultural celebrations in the state due to Covid-19. According to the guidelines issued by the state government, Garba, dandiya and other cultural programmes that require mass participation have been banned during the Navratri 2021 period. The state has also said that not more than five people should be allowed inside the pandal at one time.

The guidelines further state that the height of the Goddess Durga idol allowed in community celebrations should be capped at 4 feet while the idols allowed for household celebrations cannot be more than 2 feet tall. There is also a prohibition on procession for home arrival and immersion.

The official notification issued by the Maharashtra government states, “Do not organise Garba, dandiya or any other cultural programmes. Instead, give priority to organise health camps such as blood donation and awareness programmes for the prevention of COVID-19, malaria and dengue, among others. The community mandals should make arrangements for online darshan of the idols through cable network, website, Facebook and other social media platforms.”

Bengal:  Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee-led state government also issued a set of Covid-19 guidelines that all puja committees need to mandatorily follow in order to manage the influx of people during the six-day festival. The state government has also banned all forms of cultural programmes near the marquees in view of the coronavirus crisis.

Gujarat: The Gujarat government is not taking chances, and has put strict restrictions on gatherings. There will be restrictions on any high octane event when the dance festival kicks off, as not more than 400 will be allowed to gather at any place, according to Hindu Business Line report.

Bangalore: The Bruhath Bengaluru Mahanagara Pallike (BBMP) has guidelines issued for Durga Puja. The guidelines do not permit a gathering of more than 50 people at a time during prayers.  Distribution of sweets, fruits and flowers are prohibited. Association management should strictly monitor and adhere to Covid-appropriate behaviour. Only basic prayers and rituals will be allowed.