Social distancing norms go for a toss as youths crowd at a Raas Dandiya event in Silchar

Oct. 10: The latest Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Government of Assam categorically specified that even during Durga Puja festival more than 40 persons will not be allowed to enter any Puja Pandal. Moreover, all sorts of cultural programmes too were prohibited. However, on Saturday late evening, a ‘Raas Dandiya’ event was organised at Lakkhi Narayan Bibaha Basar (erstwhile Gopinath Cinema Hall) where hundreds of youths crowded there and danced to the tune of loud music.

Social distancing norms, wearing of face masks and other Covid protocols went for a toss at the event as a huge crowd gathered there. The latest SOP issued by Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) stated that, “The event area must have adequate space for arrangement of physical distancing (as per COVID-19 protocol). Organizers must take measures to avoid crowding at all cost.” However, the event of ‘Raas Dandiya’ gave an altogether different look.

Commenting on this, renowned folk artist Bikramjit Baulia said, “As per the latest SOP, organizing cultural nights before, during and after puja days is strictly prohibited as per the guidelines of ASDMA for public gathering. If that be the case, how did the administration allow the organisers of Raas Dandiya to organise such a gathering. Artists like us, who earn their livelihood through our performances are devoid of any work for a long period of time. If permission can be allowed to dance at the tune of DJ, then why are we not allowed to perform? I am really at a loss to understand, why such selective permission is accorded to some people but rejected in case of others!”

In a somewhat similar note, Sekhar Deb Roy, President of Sammilito Sanskritik Mancha, Silchar said, “As far as my knowledge goes, the latest SOP bars people to organise any such cultural gathering before, during and after Durga Puja. That means either the organisers have not sought the permission of the administration for arranging Raas Dandiya. If this is so, then the administration should have acted instantly. On the other hand, if at all they have obtained permission, then the question that arises here is, how can such a permission be accorded when artists in the state are denied to perform music or stage drama during the pandemic? If a particular group is allowed to perform Raas Dandiya, then why are others not allowed to perform drama or stage folk songs etc? It is the administration which should look at such matters seriously.”

Also Read: Assam govt issues SOP for Durga Puja & Kali Puja; curfew hours of ASDMA to be followed