Puja: Low key Durga Puja celebrated in NCR with COVID protocol. Gurgaon News – Times of India

Till two years ago, Durga prayer Pandals across NCR were buzzing with enthusiastic devotees. While this year devotees are being allowed to enter pandals For the first time in two years, they are still not allowed to offer flowers. pushpanjali, And no prasad is being served. No on-ground cultural events are being organized, even enjoyment being delivered to people’s homes and prayer The grounds are definitely missing the festival vibe. However, the organizers are ensuring that the devotees get to experience it live. Hindu ritual of worship Follow those entering the pandals sitting at home COVID-19 protocol

All the pandals have allotted time for the devotees and though people are excited to visit the pandals this year, the organizers are convincing them to join the puja virtually. Feather CR ParkIn Kali Mandir, visitors are only allowed from 8 am to 6 pm and in D block puja visitors need a vaccination certificate to enter. Along with this, no cultural program is taking place this year. Kali Mandir, which closes its gates an hour before the aarti, is streaming it on several online platforms. “This time, we are on different online platforms; There is no agreement on puja rituals, they are being followed as per proper norms,” says Pradeep Ganguly, general secretary Kali Mandir Society. Ena Pathak Mitra, Puja Secretary from Durga Bari Society, GK-1, shares that along with the staff on duty, the volunteers are also ensuring that those attending the puja are following the COVID protocols. She adds, “We created our Facebook page last year, and we get a lot of engagement on all the posts related to Pooja. all ours Hindu ritual of worship And pushapanjalis Showing live.”

No compromise on COVID-19 safety protocols: Organizers

Puja organizers across NCR are ensuring that the devotees follow the COVID-safety protocols at all times whenever they are visiting the pandals. Jaya De, Media and PR Secretary Jalvayu Vihar The Cultural Welfare Committee of Noida says, ‘We have a guard at the entrance to check the temperature, sanitizers have been kept at most places in the pandal and through announcements we are constantly reminding people of social distancing. nobody is here enjoyment Pre-order delivery, on-premises to avoid congestion enjoyment Arrive at your respective residence. We are also urging people that they do not need to come here pandal”

A Sajjan, President, Lotus Boulevard Cultural Committee, Sector 100, Noida, shared that like previous years, they are maintaining the authenticity of the puja along with following all the COVID protocols. “We have people coming in batches to maintain social distancing and no one is allowed to enter the pandal without a mask. We are also trying to give back to the society by creating opportunities for the people suffering due to the pandemic. There are a lot of artists who have been out of work amid the pandemic. It was getting difficult to retain one of Tughlaqabad’s cast, so we asked him to make our own. pandalThe idol of we used to call dhakis from Bengal but this year we have given chance to the people here who were originally dhakis But working elsewhere because of the situation,” he says.

Pre-Booking Slots to Join the Puja

Malay Nandy, secretary of the Bangiya Parishad Durga Puja The committee in Sector 56, Gurgaon says, “Visitors can enter the pandals by booking a slot to avoid gatherings. Once they get the slot, they fill a declaration form giving details about their health and then they get the gate pass. Volunteers at the gate scan the QR code and the scanner helps us keep an eye on the number of people pandal.Amrita Arora Sinha from DLF Phase 5, Gurgaon says, “We are celebrating keeping in mind all the COVID-safety protocols. All visitors need to be vaccinated, we are following slot booking system and limited capacity per slot Is.”

-Riya Sharma and Sunaina Jain