Mysore/Mysuru: In a bid to prevent the spread of deadly Coronavirus during celebrations of festivals, the State Government has issued guidelines for the celebration of Eid Meelad on Oct. 19 and Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti on Oct. 20.

Eid Meelad should be celebrated in a simple manner with religious fervour; Mass procession is banned; Discourses and cultural programmes during day and night should not have assembly of more than 100 persons at a time; Maintenance of social distancing is must; Precautionary measures should be taken at Mosques and Dargahs; Usage of loudspeakers and digital sound systems (DJ) in public places is banned; Wearing of face masks is mandatory at places of worship and action will be taken against those violating the rule; Those above 60 years and below 10 years should pray at their homes and celebrate the festival; Management of religious places should take steps to install sanitiser and hand wash at the entrance.

 Mass prayers should be held by keeping COVID Appropriate Behaviour in place and in case more number of devotees arrive, mass prayers should be held in two or three batches; A minimum of 6 ft. distance should be maintained in Mosques during Namaz and body temperature should be scanned before entering the Mosque.

 Devotees attending prayers at Mosques should bring their own Musalla and avoid shaking hands or hugging; Apart from Mosques, mass prayers should not be organised in public places, Community Halls, Shadi Mahals and open spaces.

 Processions as part of Eid Meelad cannot be organised in burial grounds, speeches/discourses should not be held in public places.

Valmiki Jayanti too should be held in a simple and religious manner sans mass procession. Not more than 100 people can assemble for any programmes; COVID safety measures must be in place where celebrations are held; Usage of loudspeakers banned; People above 60 years and children below 10 years are instructed not to take part in public celebrations. Devotees are urged to maintain peace and harmony during Eid Meelad and Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti celebrations.