You may want to read this and stay informed if you are in Goa during the festive season. The Goa Disaster Management Authority (GDMA) has issued new travel guidelines that travellers and locals alike need to follow during Janmashtami and Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, keeping in mind the current COVID-19 situation. By Amitha Ameen
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Indian holidays are always full of pomp and splendour. Some even turn into month-long celebrations leading up to the big day. The Indian festivals of Janmashtami and Ganesh Chaturthi see a lot of Hindu devotees gather to celebrate the special days. But in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, festivals and public gatherings have had to be realigned to suit the current crisis protocols that have been put in place by the government.
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Keeping this thought in mind, the Goa government has announced a few mandatory travel guidelines that need to be followed by locals and travellers alike in order to celebrate the festivals smoothly. Goa police will closely monitor markets selling festival-related goods and also ensure that people are following social distancing norms. People will also be expected to wear masks and regularly use hand sanitizers.
As per the guidelines, there will be no ‘Dahi Handi’ celebrations throughout the district this year. People coming into Goa and leaving within 24 hours can skip quarantine and COVID-19 tests, and instead will just need to make an entry at the border checkpoints. Those wishing to exit Goa don’t need an exit permit but will be required to follow the existing protocol to enter the state.
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As for those who belong to Goa but stay in different parts of the country, they will be permitted to enter the state only upon submission of a COVID-19 test with negative results or quarantine for 14 days until the test results are out.
Related: Your Much-Awaited Goa Trip Can Happen Only If You Follow These New COVID-19 Rules