Jharkhand has scrapped weekend lockdowns to allow markets and malls to stay open even on Sundays, in a major relief to traders ahead of Dhanteras and Diwali.

Decisions on relaxing Covid curbs were taken following a meeting of the state disaster management authority (SDMA) under the aegis of the chief minister on Friday ahead of upcoming festivals.

Addressing a press conference at Project Building, state health and disaster management minister Banna Gupta said the government had decided to allow Dhanteras, Diwali and Chhath festivals without any major curbs.

“We have ended Sunday lockdowns and done away with the 8pm deadline for markets. We also want festivals to be celebrated properly. Hence, the government is allowing them. But it doesn’t mean that people can turn complacent. The pandemic is far from over and, therefore, we have to continue following all the prescribed protocols to ensure that cases don’t spike again,” said Gupta.

Asked about Diwali and Kali puja specifically, he said guidelines would be issued soon. "For pujas, the guidelines will be similar to those issued during Durga puja. As far as bhog is concerned, it can only be home distributed,” he said. .

Among the other decisions, Gupta said coaching centres had been allowed to start classes for class 10 students. Games can be held at stadiums, but with 50 per cent capacity and swimming pools can be used only by fully vaccinated people.

Marriage functions can be held with 500 guests.

“Earlier, for coaching centres, students of only 18 years and above were allowed. Now, this has been relaxed further,” he said, adding that the ban on processions and exhibitions would, however, continue.