Low-key Independence Day celebrations in West Bengal

KOLKATA: The Bengal government has decided to hold a low-key Independence Day celebration this year.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee said on Thursday that due to the on-going lockdown, as advised by the Centre, there would be a small programme, where Covid warriors would be felicitated in the presence of a few people. Everyone would adhere to social distancing norms and wear masks, Nabanna officials said, adding the CM would unfurl the national flag at Red Road and there would be the Guard of Honour.Even the I-Day programme at the Raj Bhavan was likely to be curtailed, sources said.
The state has directed minimal gathering for Ganesh Puja on August 22. There should be no crowding on Janmashtami (August 11) and Lokenath Baba’s birth anniversary (August 12), the administration said. August 9, when a tribal festival is slated to be observed, August 16, Parsi New Year, and August 17, Manasa Puja, have been kept off total lockdown list.