
The preparations for Durga Puja celebrations are in full swing across the country. However, the way of celebration is little different this year due to coronavirus pandemic. A large number of devotees may opt for virtual celebrations to preemt the spread of pandemic. Dozens of Durga pandals have been set up in West Bengal, where the festival is celebrated with exuberance. But, the Calcutta High Court has banned the entry of visitors inside the pandals. Large gatherings and processions are also prohibited in the state.

The Calcutta High Court declared all Durga Puja pandals across West Bengal as no-entry zones to prevent the surge of COVID-19 cases in the state.

According to reports, West Bengal has reported over 3.2 lakh coronavirus cases and more than 6,000 deaths due to coronavirus.

Hearing the petition filed by a man named Sourav Chatterjee, a division bench of the high court comprising Justices Sanjib Banerjee and Arijit Banerjee said no visitors will be allowed to enter the marquees.

As per the high court order, barricades will have to put up five metres from the entrance of the small pandal. While for the bigger pandals, the distance has to be 10 metres.