Processions, Majalis to follow Covid SOPs

Home dept issues guidelines for the safe conduct of mourning events

KARACHI:

The Sindh government issued on Tuesday guidelines for Muharram as per the direction of National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) and the federal government to contain the novel coronavirus disease during the mass gathering in the mourning month.

A letter issued by the Sindh Home Department stated that the guidelines were meant for the safe conduct of processions and majalis during Muharram.

The letter directed the organisers of processions and majalis and all the people concerned stated that the delta variant of the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is on an upward trajectory in Karachi. Hence, it was more important to adhere to the SOPs during the forthcoming mourning month to contain the potential spread of the disease.

To address the issue, a special session and engagement with key Shia community leaders was chaired by the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and InterFaith Harmony at NCOC on July 29.

Detailed guidelines were formulated based on the input from Ulemas for the safe management of Muharram.

As per the decisions, emphasis will be on adherence to Covid SOPs like wearing of masks and use of sanitizers during Majalis and processions.

The orators or zakirs of the majalis will require mandatory vaccination, while children, elderly and other vulnerable groups will be barred from mass gatherings.

Only licenced and traditional mourning processions and Majalis will be allowed.

Read More: Processions, Majalis to follow Covid SOPs

Moreover, the state owned and private media organisations will be encouraged for live broadcasting of renowned Zakireen so as to incentivise maximum people to stay home.

Establishment of special vaccination camps with effect from Muharram 1 for on-the- spot vaccination of individuals attending Majalis and processions.

The guidelines further stated that the venue of Majalis should be open and spacious with proper ventilation arrangements. Social distancing of six feet is mandatory; Imambargahs’ administrations to ensure markings similar to those practiced for mosques; thermal screening of all individuals at entrance; Wearing of masks be made mandatory; availability of masks and sanitisers and hand wash. All these arrangements will be made at entrance by the organising committees of the Muharram gatherings.

The guidelines further stated that the timings of Muharram gatherings would be reduced, besides social distancing, people would be asked to refrain from shaking hands and hugs. Tabarruk or the food distributed at the end of the majalis is packed to be taken home only. Moreover, people will be discouraged from kissing, touching and embracing the effigies of the alams, the zuljinah and the taziayas.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 4^th, 2021.