Durga puja goes under cover

Organisers will make members wear masks, gloves as precaution against swine flu

Unwilling to let swine flu dampen the festive mood, Durga puja committees here have decided to make members wear masks and gloves.

Jyoti Prasad Banerjee, president, Sorbojonik Durga Samiti, said, "We are taking all necessary steps to control swine flu. Our members will wear masks, gloves and head covers at all times, but particularly while serving bhog. We will also have an emergency room to care for any person who shows H1N1 symptoms."u00a0

Every mandal has come up with its own list of precautionary measures, including sanitising the mandals.

Madhumita Ghosh of the Kondhwa Puja Committee said, "We'll have bleaching powder and sanitisers sprayed three to four times a day. Also, the fruits will not be cut before the puja, as is the norm, but after it, so that they remain fresh. Mineral water will be used for cooking." D K Chatterjee from the Aundh Durga Committee added, "It's necessary to follow some strict procedures like cutting fruits only before serving."

Some committees will also provide masks for devotees though none will force them to wear one.