2 major changes announced by Himanta Biswa in Durga Puja SOP

Oct. 17: Assam Health Minister, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday announced two major changes in the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in connection with celebration of Durga Puja, 2020. The minister said, “Earlier we announced that the Puja Pandals are to be closed by 9.30 in the night. But as per religious norms, the puja timings sometimes goes on throughout the night. So, in such cases, the Puja Pandals can be kept open during Asthami night or/and Navami night or during the performance of Sandhi Puja.”

Another change announced by the minister was regarding compulsory screening of Purohits (priests) during the Panchami, which was mentioned in the SOP announced by the State Government. Himanta said, “I have come to know about a grievance made by a section of the populace. It is regarding the testing of the Purohits on the day of Panchami as per the SOP. But if the priest does not get tested and if he by chance becomes positive, then unknowingly, the priest will go on spreading COVID during the days of Durga Puja. So in this connection, we have decided to give a relaxation. The purohits can now go for testing on the day of Chaturthi instead of Panchami., but they have to do the Covid test.”