Goa bans celebrations of Holi, other festivals due to rise in COVID-19 cases

The rising number of COVID-19 cases have forced various state governments to ban or restrict Holi celebrations. The latest state to cancel the festivities is Goa.

The Goa government on Friday (March 26) announced a ban on celebrations of the indigenous peasant festival (Shigmo), Holi, Navaratri and Shab-e-Barat due to an increase in the COVID-19 cases across the state.

Speaking at the ongoing Budget Session, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told the Legislative Assembly that the SOPs should be followed strictly in public events like festivals and weddings. He also urged hotels not to host large gatherings or Holi themed parties to curb the spread of COVID-19.