BMC allows Chhath Puja celebrations with restrictions

BMC has asked social organisations at the ward level to construct artificial ponds at their own cost for Chhath Puja rituals and fill them up after the puja is over

Updated on: Nov 5, 2021, 15:08:13 IST

By Mehul R Thakkar

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has allowed Chhath Puja celebrations this year on November 10 but asked devotees to avoid beaches and seashores even as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has opposed the restrictions.

BMC said that following the Covid-19 protocol including maintenance of social distancing would not be possible if Chhath Puja is allowed at local beaches. (Pratik Chorge/HT Photo)

It has appealed to devotees to perform the puja at artificial ponds to avoid crowding at public places in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. BMC has asked police to ensure that there is no crowding while issuing guidelines for low-key celebrations.

“Keeping in mind the crowding witnessed at sea shores during Chhath Puja, following the Covid-19 protocol including maintenance of social distancing would not be possible, hence, mass celebration of Chhath Puja at sea shores should be avoided and the police must ensure that there is no crowding. Organisations that are asking for permissions at the ward level should construct artificial ponds at their own cost and even fill up the ponds after Chhath Puja is over.”

Also Read: Country’s first rooftop drive-in theatre to open in Mumbai today

BJP corporator Vinod Mishra said they have taken up the issue with the BMC and demanded that they allow the puja at beaches. “The BMC must facilitate the celebrations.” He said the BMC directive on artificial ponds is unfair as the celebration at the beaches was allowed in a limited manner for other festivals.

People from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh mostly celebrate Chhath Puja.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mehul R Thakkar
Mehul R Thakkar is a Mumbai-based journalist who closely tracks the city’s ever-evolving real estate landscape. He believes that Mumbai presents a unique reality that, while Mumbaikars deeply aspire to own a home in the city of dreams, many spend little actual time living in it due to long commutes and demanding work lives. With over 11 years of experience in journalism, I have reported across a wide spectrum of beats, including real estate, housing, infrastructure, aviation, and education. I have also extensively covered the workings of India’s wealthiest civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), providing insight into the policy, governance, and urban planning decisions that directly influence Mumbai’s growth. Before joining Hindustan Times, I worked in fast-paced digital and print newsrooms, including Moneycontrol.com and Deccan Chronicle, as well as national dailies such as The Asian Age and DNA. Outside the newsroom, I am an avid weather tracker, a fan of spy thrillers in both books and films, and a keen follower of international affairs.Read More

Check India news real-time updates, latest news on Hindustan Times and more across India.