Festivities have taken a subdued tone in the city of Indore with respect to the active spread of the coronavirus. Around 300 places in the city will witness the ritual of Ravan Dahan in the city, including prime spots of Dusshehra ground, Chimanbag ground, Vijay Nagar. However, all events of Dusshera celebrations in Indore will be organised as per the guidelines issued for COVID-19 control in the city. On the brighter note, this also means that for the first time Indoris will celebrate an eco friendly Dussehra.

Where every year, effigies as high as 100 feet, accompanied by firecrackers lit up the city skies, Dusshera 2020, will witness an absence of lavishness. This year, a symbolic Raavan Dahan will take place in Indore, upholding the city tradition. Effigies no higher than 21 feet will be alighted, and fireworks will stand cancelled. Further no participants will be invited to burn the city.

Symbolic Dusshera 2020

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Last year, around 600 places in the city hosted the Raavan Combustion ceremony, which has reduced to half this year. Corresponding to this, the effigy makers have witnessed a straight 50% fall in the number of order received every year, reducing the possibility of generating higher profits with larger number of orders. Apart from this significant loss, a 25% rise in labour charges has been further noted, as smaller parties of workers are engaged in the making process. The craftsmen have projected to earn only 10% of the total income they otherwise generated during the festive season.

Organisers hosting large events at Dussehra Grounds, Chimanbag Maidan, Cantonment have been instructed by the DIG of Police ensure, in their own capacities, that larger crowds don't assemble to watch the Raavan Dahan. Older people, children and families have been advised to avoid these celebrations. Special units of police will be deployed in the city against people who do not wear masks and follow social distancing. These teams will further ensure that no processions or rallies are conducted in Indore. The municipal teams will further ensure that social distancing is being followed at all pandals.

Unlike previous years, mega events with fireworks will remain limited to none in the city, sanitisers are being used as burning propellers in the effigies. All religious programmes approved by the district administration will be carried out under the purview of Section 144 in Indore. People's entry to these places and events will be governed on the basis of the size of the ground, to ensure that social distancing can be rightly followed. No individual will be allowed to enter any event in the city if they are not wearing a face mask. To solidify the directive, all organisers in the city have to submit a video CD of the function to the District Administration within 48 hours of the event. The district administration has further issued a list of guidelines to be followed by the panadal organsiers to ensure public safety. Any violations of the same will result in statutory action under Section 188.

Information shared by Avinash.