The Kamrup Metropolitan district administration has declared March 29 (Monday) as a local holiday on account of Dol Jatra/Holi Festival.
Kamrup Metropolitan deputy commissioner Biswajit Pegu on Sunday (March 28) issued a notification in this regard.
“In exercise of delegation of power conferred by the Government notification no. GAG(A) 81/2016/637 dated 18/12/2020 and as per approval of General Administration Department vide letter no. GAG(A) 81/2016/653 dt 28/03/2021, local holiday is hereby declared on 29th March, 2021 (Monday) within the jurisdiction of Kamrup Metropolitan district on account of Dol Jatra /Holi festival,” the notification said.
All the state government offices, semi-government offices, revenue courts, educational institutions within the district will remain closed on March 29, 2021, the notification said.
The Kamrup Metro deputy commissioner has directed to follow the existing guidelines and protocols related to COVID19 while celebrating the Holi festival.
“All the guidelines/protocols relating to COVID19 should be strictly followed during the celebration of the festival,” the Kamrup Metro DC said in the notification.
Keeping in view of the surge in COVID19 cases and deaths in many states, the Centre on Wednesday asked the states and union territories to consider imposing local restrictions in public observance of the upcoming festivals.
The Centre also asked to limit or do away with mass gatherings for effective control of the COVID19 pandemic.
Additional secretary in the Union health ministry, Arti Ahuja, in a letter to the states said: “…in view of upcoming festivals such as Holi, Shab-e-Barat, Bihu, Easter and Eid-ul-Fitr, etc., it is strongly advised that states may consider imposing local restrictions in public observance of these festivals and limit/do away with mass gatherings in the exercise of the powers conferred under Section 22 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.”
Assam Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi has greeted the people of the state on the occasion of Holi festival.
“I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Assam on the joyous occasion of Holi – the festival of colours. May this festival bring harmony and happiness to our lives,” Assam Governor Mukhi tweeted on Sunday.
“The colours of Holi reflect the State’s diversity and multi-cultural heritage. I hope the festival which heralds the advent of spring brings in joy, happiness and merriment to all,” Prof Mukhi added.
The Holi festival was celebrated in many parts of Assam and the country but mass gatherings of people were seen.