COVID-19 guidelines and tips for safe Holi celebrations

With a surge in the number of coronavirus cases across India, several state governments have issued guidelines and requested people to celebrate Holi keeping in view the current situation. States and Union Territories, including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Odisha, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chandigarh and Jharkhand, have banned public celebrations. Many states have asked people above 60 and children to avoid gatherings. The festival of colours will be celebrated on March 29.

In Mumbai, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has banned private celebrations of Holi and Rangapanchami. In UP, people arriving for Holi celebrations from states reporting a surge in cases will be tested at railway stations, airports, bus depots.

The Madhya Pradesh government has imposed weekend lockdown in Indore, Bhopal, and Jabalpur and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has appealed people to celebrate Holi at home only. In Delhi, there will be no public celebration of Holi, Shab-e-Barat, Navaratri in public places. Haryana government has also banned all Holi celebrations in the state.

According to the guidelines, people can visit temples and perform rituals as usual with strict adherence to COVID protocols.

With the COVID-19 pandemic marring the festival of colours second year in a row, keep in mind few things if you still want to celebrate the festival in a small group:

Don’t get in contact with sick people.

Say no to hugs and handshakes.

Wear face masks.

Take care of hygiene while you play with colours.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water.

Use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.