Bihu committees cancel Rongali Bihu functions in Guwahati amid coronavirus scare

GUWAHATI: Bihu committees have decided to cancel Rongali Bihu functions in Guwahati due to coronavirus threat.

A coordination committee of 26 Bihu committees in Guwahati took the decision after taking stock of the current situation.

“We have cancelled all the cultural programmes to avoid mass gathering. Because tens of thousands gather to enjoy Bihu functions. If possible, only the rituals will be observed in the Sankranti morning,” Kailash Sarma, a functionary of Latasil Bihu Committee told media.

Due to the current threat posed by the virus, government has urged people to abstain from mass gatherings.

Even though Assam has not recorded any positive novel coronavirus case so far, the State will be considered ‘marginally safe’ in case no person is found infected by the virus till April 6.

Addressing a press conference at Janata Bhawan on Friday the Health & Family Welfare Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the State is passing through a very critical phase now and the government machinery has been put on maximum alert to prevent any possibility of spreading coronavirus. He said a large number of people who either worked or stayed outside Assam for various reasons have now returned to the State and the health condition of these people have to be monitored closely at least for 14 days.

In India, four people have died and more than 200 people have been infected.In wake of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which has also affected India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged the people of the country to opt for a ‘Janata Curfew’ on Sunday from 7 am to 9 pm.

In a special live address to the nation, Modi said: “Today I am requesting the people of the country for a Janata Curfew, on March 22, this Sunday, from between 7 am to 9 pm… This is public curfew. ‘Janata Curfew’ means for the public, curfew imposed on public by themselves.”

He urged the people to follow this ‘Curfew’; not go out on the streets or even gather in their societies and stay inside their homes. He also appealed to citizens to come to their doorsteps or balconies at 5 pm on Sunday to appreciate the work of those involved in healthcare, sanitation and all other essential services. “Come to your balconies and courtyards and streets and applaud, ring bells, bang on thalis for those who are working day and night.”

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