Navratri 2023: Health precautions mandatory for Dandiya events in Maharashtra, says CM Shinde

CM Eknath Shinde. File Pic

In preparation for the festive fervor of Navratri, organisers of Dandiya events, not only in Mumbai but across the state of Maharashtra, have been tasked with ensuring the well-being of participants. The directive comes from none other than Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who has urged Dandiya organisers to prioritize the health and safety of attendees, an official statement said on Thursday.

During the nine days of Navratri, Maharashtra witnesses a multitude of Dandiya events, often organised with the active involvement of various political parties. While it's common practice for organisers to provide basic health facilities, there have been instances where these services were overlooked. To bridge this gap, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has issued an essential mandate to deploy primary health facilities and fully equipped ambulances at all Dandiya event venues, the statement said.

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Dancing to the energetic beats of Dandiya can lead to unconscious exertion on participants, potentially causing undue stress on their hearts. Moreover, the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic has seen a decline in the immune systems of many individuals, contributing to an increase in various lifestyle disorders. In light of these concerns, Chief Minister Shinde underscores the need for immediate medical attention in case of emergencies. To ensure this, he has directed all District Collectors in the state to ensure that Dandiya event organisers provide access to medical facilities, the statement said.

Meanwhile, Nilesh Dave, the editor of the 'Mumbai Samachar', conveyed the Chief Minister's intentions. Chief Minister Shinde's instructions reflect the government's commitment to prioritising the health and safety of participants, promising a festive season that's not only joyful but also secure.

Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) held its Navratri coordination meeting along with event organisers at the civic headquarters on Wednesday, where some key decisions were taken for the upcoming celebrations. One of the suggestions made at the meeting was that all organisers make parking space for vehicles within the venue during dandiya and other Navratri events.

One of the major discussions during the meeting revolved around parking concerns during the upcoming festival. Officials from the Traffic department suggested that parking space for vehicles be provided within the event venue so that the celebrations are "more organised and hassle-free". "It will not only benefit the attendees but also contribute to overall safety and accessibility," the traffic department said, stressing that Navratri event organisers in the city must allocate dedicated space for parking within their venues.