GHDS issues guidelines for Navratri

– encourages pandits to live-stream ‘pujas’ and ‘satsaangs’ on Facebook

AS Hindus across the country prepare to observe the sacred period of Chaitra Navratri, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has urged mandirs to open all day and into the early evening so as to avoid congestion and crowding.

This, the Sabha said, is an important step to reduce the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Chaitra Navratri, which starts on March 24, is a nine-day observance which starts on the first day of Hindu Luni-Solar calendar and falls in the month of March or April, every year. It is described universally as a “powerful period” for prayers, absolute devotion and introspection.

“Hindus are reminded that prayers to Shakti Ma, in all her forms, can lead them to inward transformation and encourage positivity and optimism in all aspects of life,” said President of Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, in a video which was posted on the Sabha’s Facebook page, on Saturday.

While she encouraged persons to practise absolute devotion during this time, Dr. Persaud reminded persons to beware of the current COVID-19 pandemic, which Guyana and the rest of the world are contending with. Locally, there have been five confirmed cases of the virus so far.

As precautionary measures, mandirs were urged to ensure that large gatherings and congestion is avoided. Devotees were also encouraged to practise social distancing or stay six feet away from others while in the mandir. Mandirs on the East Coast of Demerara were urged to be extra cautious because most of the cases are from that area, so the risk of exposure is high.

In advising persons on methods to guard against COVID-19, Dr. Persaud said: “Elderly persons over 60 years old and those with medical conditions such as diabetes should avoid attending mandirs, as they are particularly high-risk for contracting and developing severe complications for the coronavirus…Persons, who are sick and coughing, should not attend.”

CLEAN ENVIRONMENT
Additionally, she advised mandirs to ensure that surfaces, puja items and other objects are continuously and scrupulously cleaned, since contaminated surfaces can help in the spread of the virus. It was also advised that sanitisers, soap and water be available for 20 seconds of hand-washing before and after persons enter the mandir.

In some cases, although preventative measures would be in place at mandirs, persons would prefer to stay at home because of the virus. In this regard, Dr. Persaud said pandits should broadcast pujas and satsaangs on Facebook at a pre-advertised time, so that devotees can join in, at home.

“The collective vibrations across the country throughout this period will be powerful, healing and transformative… persons are encouraged to sit with families or alone and perform pujas, chant or sing bhajans, fast and offer prasadam during this period,” she said.
Though there might be limitations to how Hindus practise their worship during this time, Dr. Persaud said the virus, will in no way, preclude the Hindu community from observing this sacred period, with devotion and faith.

According to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

The coronavirus outbreak reportedly originated in Wuhan, China, and has since spread to many other countries, including some in the Americas. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, coughs, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Persons who suspect that they may have the virus are advised not to visit a health facility, but instead call on several provided hotlines where it can be arranged for a health team to visit. Lawrence noted that additional hotline numbers have been added, and staff has been increased to facilitate efficiency. The numbers are 226-7480; 229-7490; 231-1166; 227-4986; 624-6674; 624-2819; 624-9355.