Rajasthan government allows gathering of 50 people for Holi and Shab-e-Barat

Jaipur:  The state government on Friday revised its earlier orders prohibiting a complete ban on mass gatherings at public places during Holi and Shab-e-Barat and has allowed the gathering of a maximum of 50 people at public places.

The two festivals will be observed on Sunday and Monday across the country.  The new order states that on these two days, not more than 50 people could gather at public places from 4 pm to 10 pm.

The amended orders will allow the residents to celebrate Holi and  Shab-e-Barat outdoors. The medical and health officials however said that the people should refrain from playing Holi with colors as this would increase the chances of community transmission.

Earlier the state government had prohibited all gatherings at public places and asked people to celebrate festivals at home, citing a surge in covid cases, however, the decision was revised on Friday.

The amended orders were issued by the home department.

The state government has also banned visitors from other states from entering Rajasthan without a valid COVID-19 negative test report. Screening of passengers is being conducted at all railway stations and bus stands.

The police have also launched a drive against violators of COVID-19 guidelines. The people are being penalized for not wearing masks and flouting social distancing norms.