'Rongali Bihu celebrations to be held by following COVID-19 protocols'

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Preparations are on to celebrate Rongali Bihu on the stage and in public platforms keeping in mind the protocols associated with COVID-19, said advisor of 'Brihattar Guwahati Bihu Sanmillani Samity, Kailash Sarma.

Talking to The Sentinel on Thursday, Sarma added, "Bihu was not celebrated as usual in Assam due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year. We only maintained the basic formalities and hoisted the flag of the Bihu Sanmilani that year.

"Unfortunately, the State is already witnessing the second wave of COVID-19. Nevertheless this time, we will celebrate Rongali (Bohag) Bihu with the usual fanfare keeping in place all precautions to check the spread of COVID-19.

"We are in touch with the members of all the Bihu committees in the State. It is essential that each member of the Bihu committes as well as of the cultural troupes is free from COVID. We will decide on the number of artistes each toupe will consist of."

When asked as to whether the artistes would have to wear masks during the Bihu celebrations, Sarma stated, "We are yet to take any decision in this regard."

He added, "We will request the Health department to set up booths at the premises of the Bihu committees. It will be helpful in addressing the health-related issues of the participating public and the troupes."

Welcoming the move of the Health department to issue SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for the Bihu festivals, Sarma said, "All Bihu committees will follow the protocols. In fact, the administration should have issued such SOPs for the public as well as the candidates and their supporters much before the Assembly polls. Probably, the sudden rise in the cases of COVID-19 in the State could have been controlled."

While Greater Guwahati alone has around 80 Bihu committees, there are more than 1,000 such committees within the State, added Sarma.

Also Read: Deputy Chief Minister of Tripura Tests Positive for COVID-19

Also Watch: Fire at a Seed Warehouse in Dimou