Gujarat: Navratri darshan closed at Pavagadh’s Mahakali temple

VADODARA: The Mahakali temple at Pavagadh will remain closed for visitors during Navratri when lakhs of people visit the temple during nine days. The decision was taken by the temple trust in wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Several devotees throng the temple during Navratri and the footfalls on some days run into over one lakh persons. Given this, social distancing remains a challenge at the pilgrimage place.
This was observed even on Sunday when there was a heavy rush and some persons not wearing masks had even entered into an argument with the police.
The temple trust declared on Tuesday that the temple will remain closed from Friday to November 1 for pilgrims. The period includes Navratri and other religiously significant days.
Inside the temple, the rituals will continue as per routine every Navratri and people will be able to do ‘darshan’ on live feed that will be broadcast on screens in two open grounds near the Pavagadh hill. There will be live ‘darshan’ on temple website.
The release by the temple trust stated that the decision had been taken in interest of the health and safety of devotees. It added that this would also ensure that Covid safety guidelines are followed.