Guideline issued by the Tripura government on Monday notified ban on bursting of firecrackers, and highlighted on the need for social distancing norms to be followed during Diwali, an official said.

Strict penal measures would be charged against anyone not abiding by the guidelines issued by the Department of Science, Technology, and Environment against bursting of firecrackers.

The state government has also issued restrictions under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, making social distancing must and prohibited gathering or mela in front of any Kali temple in the state, read the guideline issued by Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar.

A special guideline has been issued by the state government on celebrations on the Tripurasundari Temple at Udaipur city, in Gomati district. About two lakh devotees are approximated to gather every year during Kali Puja.

The organizers are asked to keep the height of the idol up to five feet and puja should be performed outside so that the deity can pay their darshan from a safe distance.

Five devotees will be allowed to enter the pandal at a time maintaining social distance of one meter between them.

No Processions during the immersion of idols will be allowed.

Organic Bamboo Diyas (lamps) to replace candles during Diwali festivities have been launched by the Chief Minsiter of the state.