After cancelling the permission granted to public for conducting political, religious and educational gatherings in view of a fear of a second wave of COVID-19 attack during the festive season, the State government on Friday allowed the people to participate in the Kudamuzhukku consecration to be held in temples from Monday as an exception. A few days ago, the government had also denied permission to the BJP over holding the Vel Yatra across the State.

“Following the requests from public, permission has been granted for conducting ‘Kudamuzhukku’ festival in temples by observing all pandemic guidelines issued by the State government. However, not more than 100 people can participate in the ‘Kudamuzhukku’ festival,” the government announced in a release. However, the release stated that the public have to adhere to all the norms and wearing masks, using sanitisers and following social distancing norms during the festival was mandatory. The steps would have to be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Since lockdown was announced, all the places of worship were closed for public but the regular prayers were carried out without the people’s participation during subsequent unlocking of the State. Recently, the government allowed public to visit places of worship and issued strict guidelines for devotees and temples. Due to social distancing restrictions, the State did not permit consecration festivals in temples. “There were demands from devotees that despite all preparatory works being completed, the ‘Kudumuzhukku’ festival could not be conducted. They urged the government to grant permission following which it was decided that not more than 100 people could participate in the event,” said an official.