September 11, 2020: The Covid-19 pandemic has dampened the Durga Puja spirit in Guwahati. However, the puja committees are gearing up to celebrate it with curtailed programmes.

Many puja committees have been preparing to keep the puja programme limited only to the rituals. Though the government has not yet announced any order regarding this, the puja committees have been ready to organise puja as per the health protocols.

Most committees informed that they will do the puja with small idol unlike big idols in previous years. The decrease in demand for idols has also affected the idol makers.

Meanwhile, the Guwahati Police has already prepared for the Durga Puja to monitor that all health protocols are followed.

Health minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sharma on Thursday appealed the people of Guwahati not to rush at the puja pandals and feared that mass gatherings could take the city's Covid situation out of control.