New Delhi, Mar 24, (UNI) The Centre has instructed the State Governments to take 'all required measures' to ensure that the Navaratra festival, unfolding on Wednesday remain a 'low-key affair'.
The direction from the Narendra Modi dispensation to states against 'violation of isolation' also called for legal steps against violators, if any.
The nine-day 'Navaratra' is the first 'crucial test' after the March 22 'Janata Curfew' that received huge response across the country relating to social distancing - the key to prevent spread of COVID-19.
The Centre's instruction to the States to maintain 'silence, not sound' came amid reports of eviction of anti - CAA protesters from the Shaheen Bagh area in the National Capital.
Asked to comment on the two upcoming 'focuses' fearing gatherings, sociologist turned scientist Ramesh Virmani said "this years' Navaratra and also the Ram Navami assume a newer significance. It is expected that people will respond to the new situation with a new openness.
However, Mr Virmani pointed out "it is to some extent painful to dissociate gatherings from celebrations.
Meanwhile, the death toll in India due to the virus has reached 10 with the total number of cases escalating to 562.
During the past 24 hours the toll has increased by 166.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has hailed India's efforts to contain Coronavirus.
Thirty States and Union Territories in the country are now under the 'Lockdown' with the exception of Sikim and Mijoram which are yet to implement it.
The world-wide death toll due to COVID-19 has reached 16,510 with 3,78,000 being affected.
While Europe only accounted for 10,000 Corona deaths, Italy and Spain were followed by 6,077 and 2311 respectively.
As China, from where the disease erupted first accounted for 3277 deaths, the figures in France and USA are nearing 1000.
UNI ADG JTS 1036