Youths in Assam on Sunday vowed to celebrate a safe and peaceful Holi as district administrations across the state advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of coronavirus.

“We organised a fakuwa (Holi) programme here today in a quiet, peaceful and safe environment. We are aware that gatherings should be avo-ided to prevent the spread of the virus. We appeal to all across the Northeast to celebrate the festival in a safe and peaceful manner,” said Suban Bhattacharya, secretary of the Assam Progressive Youth Club.

The people in Tinsukia, the eastern most corner of Upper Assam, said this year they will avoid going outside or visiting relatives’ places.

“Every year we visit our relatives in Dibrugarh and Jorhat on Holi. But this year we changed our plans as a precautionary measure,” said Gopal Chakraborty, a local resident.

A two-day Holi-Toli programme is being organised by the Shyam Musical Group with artistes invited from Rajasthan. Various cultural shows will be presented at the programme.

The Tinsukia administration has been spreading awareness on how to prevent the spread of the virus. “Experts have advised to reduce mass gatherings. We urge all parties, groups, unions, institutions and citizens to follow the advice and postpone all meetings and rallies across the district until further notice. Cooperation from all quarters is highly solicited,” said deputy commissioner Bhaskar Pegu.

The district administration urged NGOs to come forward and spread awareness on the disease and everyday hygiene, especially in fish and meat markets. The NGOs are distributing protective masks.