Gaya: Pitripaksha from today, to be a low-key affair

GAYA: The district administration has requested people from within the state and outside it, especially the elderly and sick ones, not to come to Gaya as far as possible during the fortnight-long Pitripaksha beginning from Sunday in view of Covid pandemic.
Like last year, there will be no state function and cultural programme for Pitripaksha this year too. There will also be a ban on people coming in large groups.
However, in the wake of guidelines issued by the state home department, limited number of people will be allowed to perform pindadaan rituals.Gayapal pandas and the priests will be responsible for compliance of the Covid protocol.
District magistrate Abhishek Singh said Covid test would be mandatory for people coming from outside. “Those coming here will have to produce vaccination certificate. Test of those, who have not taken the vaccine shot, will be conducted. Also vaccination of such people will be done. If anyone is tested positive for Covid, it will be mandatory for him/her to remain in quarantine for 10 days,” the DM added.
DPRO Shambhu Nath Jha no accommodation arrangement has been made for the devotees.