The Jharkhand government has imposed a ban on Holi celebrations in public places, including banquet halls and parks, in the wake of a rise in Covid cases and asked residents to celebrate the festival of colour at indoors with family members only.

As per a notification issued by the home, prison and disaster management department on Friday, “All celebrations and congregations at public places during festivals like Holi, Sarhul, Shab-e-Barat, Navratri and Ramnavami, Easter etc. shall not be allowed in the state. People may celebrate Holi with family members in their respective houses.”

"Religious processions, including those on Sarhul and Ramnavami, shall remain prohibited until further notice," the notification further stated. Besides, the Ranchi district administration has decided to enforce Section 144 of the CrPC in Ranchi from 6am on Sunday to 6am on Tuesday, prohibiting all gatherings in public places during this period.

Ranchi deputy commissioner Chhavi Ranjan urged residents of the state capital to inform the nearest police station in case they find people participating in Holi Milan ceremonies in public. Police patroll vehicles, he said, will maintain a vigil on the roads during the festival and discourage people to play Holi on the streets of the state capital.

“Necessary action, as per the provision of the law, will be taken against those found violating the restrictions during the festival,” he said.

The district administration, in a separate notification, also prohibited Kavi Sammelans (conference of poets), which are common during Holi evenings in the urban areas of the state. Guests often smear Gulal on each other during such gatherings, many of which also include cocktail parties.

3 Covid deaths on Friday

Covid cases have been on the rise in Jharkhand, particularly in Ranchi, which accounts for more than half of the 1,399 active cases in the state. The count of active cases has tripled in Jharkhand since February, reveals government data. As per figures with the National Health Mission (NHM), the active caseload of Covid-19 jumped from 198 in February to 702 on Friday in Ranchi. The Covid toll in the state has also reached 1,103 with three casualties reported on Friday.