Ranchi mayor Asha Lakra has demanded that the state government issue guidelines for Chhath immediately and end the uncertainty among people since the festival is a week away.

Lakra met with chief secretary Sukhdev Singh on Friday to highlight problems being faced by the public and civic bodies across the state to complete the groundwork required for the festival.

Singh is understood to have assured the mayor that the administration would issue dos and don’ts for Chhath in the next couple of days.

Lakra, who is the constitutional head of Ranchi Municipal Corporation, said, “After Durga puja, we worked on a war footing to clean all water bodies in the city. We have also finished preparations for immersion of Kali idols. However, there are several other works that have to be done at Chhath ghats, namely, arrange lights, set up toilets, lay pathways, to ensure devotees don’t face any problems. But without proper guidelines, we aren’t able to proceed.”

Chhath, an important festival for Biharis, is widely celebrated in Jharkhand. This year, it is scheduled to be held on November 20 and 21 when devotees offer arghya (prayer) to the sun God at dusk and dawn. Lakhs of devotees turn up at water bodies for a holy dip and prayers. But amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, allowing such religious congregations could well prove risky, and may aid the spread of the virus.

Lakra demanded that the state government clear its stand without further delay. “It’s true that the pandemic is still looming, but one has to balance rituals and religious practices. Let the government say if Chhath will be allowed in public or whether it has to be observed indoors. Delaying guidelines is only adding to the uncertainty,” she said.

The state government has been extremely cautious about issuing public advisories ahead of key festivals, because of which guidelines have been notified late. Durga Puja guidelines were issued at the 11th hour, upsetting organisers. For Diwali too, the government came up with guidelines only four days before the festival, announcing a ban on crackers in public places. On Thursday, it issued a two-hour window for bursting crackers at homes and residential complexes, annoying health experts who advocate a total ban on firecrackers.