Team Herald
PANJIM: Owing to declining COVID-19 cases across State including the Capital City, the Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) on Sunday relaxed the curbs imposed on the height of Narkasur effigies, so also allowing use of sound system on the eve of Diwali, which marks the burning of Narkasur to display the victory of good over evil.
City Mayor Uday Madkaikar in a statement issued has said that eight feet height restriction imposed on Narkasur effigy has been withdrawn along with use of sound system, as one can opt for after seeking appropriate permission from the District Collector.
However, he said that the restrictions imposed on no use of fire crackers and hosting of competitions and also not allowing groups to burn effigies in public places, will remain in force.
“The decision has been taken following request from the citizens. The people have not been able to celebrate any festival since the COVID-19 outbreak. Now since, the number of cases has declined; we decided to grant some relaxation,” Madkaikar said.
The Mayor said that the Goa is opening up for tourists and Narkasur effigies are one of the tourist attractions in the State ahead of Diwali festival.
In a bid to prevent the spread of COVID-19, CCP had last week issued standard operating procedure for Diwali celebration.
“There shall be no procession of Narkasur effigy on the eve of Diwali and no person or club or any organisation shall install the effigy on the road. No person or club or any organisation shall set on fire the Narkasur effigy on the road,” SOP stated.
“For Diwali celebration, as far as possible home visits to friends and neighbours may be avoided and instead greetings on social media or telephones may be adopted,” it added.
