Pune: The COVID-19 crisis has hardly spared any industry, with events and conferences also being affected in Pune. Major organisers have cancelled their events this year amid the spread of novel coronavirus.

The Maharashtra government also recently had issued SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) on how upcoming Navratri would be celebrated in the state. The home ministry suggested that all dandiya, garba events should be cancelled this year to ensure the safety of the people. The government made clear that all the festivals must be celebrated in a low grandeur. The festivals of Navratri is about to start from October 17 and Dussehra slated for October 25.

Meanwhile, members of Pune sound, electrical generator and events equipment vendor association also called for a protest in demand to reopen business, as they are suffering huge loss amid restrictions imposed.

Bablu Ramzani, President of the association, said, “We have suffered loss of Rs 50 crore in the past six months amid COVID-19. Now, that the restrictions on the lockdown are easing we were hoping we will be permitted to recommence business but that has not happened yet.”

“Generally, Ganpati Festival and wedding season are the months where our business takes peak. This year, there are no festivals resulting a difficult survival,” he said. At least five lakh people associated in the business of sound and lights, LED displays, generators, decorators and mandap owners have demanded to permit to reopen business, as they are suffering an economic loss.

Shirish Pathak, a member of the association, said, “We need help from the government as our savings are over now and the industry needs to recommence. We are prepared to follow all the safety measures, there are big halls where events can be performed out by following all safety procedures.” “Also, one of our main demand is to give us the grade of artistes, which will help us to benefit government subsidiary and schemes,” he added.