It is that time of the year when the markets are filled with gulal, phickaris, and sweets. Yes, the festival of colors is around the corner. This year Holi will be celebrated on 29 March, preceded by Holika Dahan or Choti Holi on 28 March.
However, due to the recent surge in the COVID cases, the Holi celebrations will be very different this year. Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Chattisgarh, and several other cities are witnessing high caseloads.
To make the celebrations safe and control the spread of coronavirus government has issued certain restrictions.
COVID-19 is far from over, therefore, avoid social gatherings on this Holi. Celebrate the festival of colors with your family while following all the necessary precautions. Do not forget your colorful face mask and wash your hands regularly with soap.

1. Bihar
The Bihar government has decided to ban ‘Holi-Milan’ gatherings. No one will be allowed to organize Holi Milan. Chief secretary Arun Kumar Singh will supervise the imposition of a ban on Holi gatherings.
People from different states return to Bihar during the festival season. Checking of passengers arriving from other states has already started. At the same time, the air passengers need to produce a negative Covid-19 test. Passengers arriving from trains will also be tested via rapid antigen kits.

2. Gujarat
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel has issued a statement allowing the ritual of Holika Dahan with a limited number of people. However, no permission will be given to play with colors and public gatherings due to the ongoing Covid-19 surge. Holika Dahan is a pyre lighting ritual on the eve of Holi that signifies the victory of good over evil.

3. Odisha
The state government in Odisha has issued guidelines for Holi 2021 urging people to celebrate the festival in a low-key manner. Dolayatra and associated religious congregations will not be allowed in public.
However, Religious rituals in temples will continue with strict adherence to Covid protocols. Dola Melans may be allowed with a limited number of participants. People may celebrate in their houses with their families and not in any public places.

4. Uttar Pradesh
The Uttar Pradesh government has started a focus testing campaign to control the rising coronavirus cases in the state. Under the focus testing campaign, samples of people living in slums, old-age homes, and jails will be taken.
Also, samples of colors, snacks, and people working in sweet shops and malls would be taken. The markets draw large crowds during the season and focus testing will be done to detect the spread of the virus. The emphasis will be on detecting infections and contact tracing.

5. Delhi
The Delhi government has appealed to the people to celebrate dry Holi in view of the rise in cases of Corona. CM Arvind Kejriwal is also holding an emergency in view of the increasing cases of Corona in Delhi. The government is taking other actions, including challans, against those who do not follow the guidelines. Coronavirus cases have started increasing rapidly in the Capital with more than 500 new cases on a single day after almost two months.

6. Madhya Pradesh
For all travelers coming to Madhya Pradesh from Maharashtra, seven-day quarantine is mandatory. Night curfew will continue in Bhopal and Indore from 10 pm to 6 pm. While shops will remain closed in Jabalpur, Ratlam, Gwalior, Chhindwara, Khargone Ujjain, and Burhanpur from 10 pm to 6 am. Public programs to celebrate Holi will not be allowed due to the rising cases.

Key Guidelines for Holi 2021

• Ban on public events, folk songs, DJs, and mikes have also been banned.

• There will be no Holi meeting in the residential colony.

• It will be mandatory to follow social distancing, mask, sanitizer in the Holika Dahan program

• Thermal screening of persons attending Holi Milan, wearing masks, using hand sanitizer from time to time, physical distancing will be necessary.

• On Holi, more than 5 people in a group will be banned from walking together.

• Organizing mass feast in Holi program will be banned

• Do not crowd the Holi colors shops and it will be mandatory to follow social distancing.

• It will be mandatory to wear a face mask or else a penalty will be levied against the shopkeeper and buyer.

Holi celebrations witness large gatherings, and Covid infection is likely to rise further. Therefore the Central and state governments have issued travel guidelines and regulations. Follow all the regulations, avoid visiting crowded places. Maintain social distancing while attending Holika Dahan and play holi only with family members.

COVID-19 is far from over, therefore, avoid social gatherings on this Holi. Celebrate the festival of colors with your family while following all the necessary precautions. Do not forget your colorful face mask and wash your hands regularly with soap.