Accordingly, the members of the public have been urged to celebrate the festival and to observe the traditions and rituals at home.

They have been requested to stay home during the inauspicious time (Punya Kaalaya/Nonagathaya) as much as possible. When visiting religious places during inauspicious time, people are required to follow health and safety precautions in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Further, health authorities have appealed to the public to minimize visiting relatives’ places, exchanging confectioneries with neighbours as well as conducting outdoor Avurudu games and festivals which gather large numbers of individuals.

As per the guidelines, the public has been requested to spend time with their immediate family members or those who were in close contact with them.

The Director-General of Health Services also issued separate instructions for the organizers, participants, and spectators of Avurudu games.

In the meantime, further instructions were issued for shop owners, managers and customers to be followed during the festive season.