Farraukhabad (Uttar Pradesh): Despite government's orders prohibiting religious congregation in the first phase of three-phase unlock plan, people of Farraukhabad in Uttar Pradesh turned out in crowds to celebrate the Ganga Dussehra Festival on Monday morning. A video showing hundreds of devotees gathering for the festival has surfaced on the internet in which people can be seen flouting lockdown norms and offering prayers to Lord Shiva and Ganges.
Inspite of strict orders of the district administration for not allowing people to gather in a religious congregation, devotees were seen taking the holy dip in the river on Panchal Ghat and Dhai Ghat and chanting prayers. Many small shops and establishments selling flowers and puja items were also put up.
However, Police officer Manni Lal Gaur said that four barricades were put up and strict arrangements were made to contain the spread of Covid-19. A huge police force was deployed and security was tightened to ensure that people follow social distancing norms while taking holy dip in the Ganges.