Bihar government allows up to 150 guests in weddings

PATNA: The state government on Sunday allowed band and baraat (marriage processions) as well as increased the number of guests up to 150 in wedding ceremonies. Earlier, only 100 guests were allowed to participate in any wedding function.
The partial modification made in the previous order issued on November 26 has brought in a sense of relief for not only those who have weddings in the family but also the hospitality sectors, band parties and others associated with the related businesses in the state.The order will remain effective till December 3.
Additional chief secretary (home) Amir Subhani told this newspaper that the partial modification has been done in public interest. “Only the upper limit of guests in marriage ceremonies has been increased from 100 to 150. Marriage processions have also been allowed. But, the safety protocols for Covid-19 have to be followed in marriage ceremonies,” he said.
The other points mentioned in the previous order will remain unchanged. The restrictions on the number of guests for funerals will continue to be 25 till December 3.
As per the order, wearing face masks has been made mandatory for all guests at a wedding ceremony. Besides, thermal screening and hand sanitisation of guests at the entrance of the wedding venue are also mandatory.
The DMs and SSPs/SPs of all the districts have been instructed to ensure compliance of partial modification in previous order.
Giving information about the decision taken in the crisis management group meeting of the state government, Patna divisional commissioner Sanjay Kumar Aggarwal said the state has relaxed the cap on the number of guests in banquet halls or closed spaces for weddings. “The decision has been taken in public interest as a number of weddings are scheduled to take place,” he said.
“Wearing of face masks, maintaining social distancing, provision of thermal scanning and use of handwash or sanitiser will be mandatory,” he said.