With festivals around the corner, both central government and state governments have issued some guidelines for the celebrations keeping in view of the rising number if Coronavirus cases in the country. Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan also advised people to follow COVID-19 guidelines strictly during the phase, failing which the pandemic could once again raise its head and pose increased threats to the society.

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Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan today urged the people of the country to unite in the fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic as he talked about a "new normal for festivals". "No religion or God says that you have to celebrate a festival in an ostentatious way. Fighting against Covid-19 is our foremost dharma," the Health Minister said this afternoon.

Reminding people of the social distancing norms Dr Harsh Vardhan said, "Shouldn't karma take precedence over Dharma?"  Should lives be risked while celebrating festivals?"

"Anyone can remember their God with a pure heart from anywhere. I would want people to celebrate their festivals with their family. Earlier also this used to happen, people used to celebrate festivals in small groups. I do not think there is any need for going to pandals and melas," he added.

The Union Minister, however, added that as per the people's beliefs if people wanted to go to puja pandals, they should maintain '2 gaz ki doori' (maintain social distancing), wear masks at all times and urge others to do the same.

"I am saying all this because being the country's Health Minister, it is my duty to protect people's lives," he said.