MUMBAI: Following the state's partial lockdown that came into force on Monday evening, all places of worship closed until April 30.
Babulnath Mandir, Mumbadevi and Siddhivinayak were off bounds for devotees as was Haji Ali Dargah and all churches.
The Archdiocese of Bombay announced that all churches will be closed until April 30.
The Archbishop of Bombay Oswald Cardinal Gracias issued guidelines for all sacraments including baptism, confirmation, confession, marriage and burial to be followed until then.
He supplemented the circular with a video message to priests, urging them to obey all Covid protocol like masks in order to prevent even "accidental infection".
Since Section 144 has been imposed throughout the state (which limits a maximum of five people to a gathering), baptisms will be held in small groups. The minister, the child, its parents and god-parents may be present for this sacrament.
For marriages which cannot be postponed to a later date, the Cardinal has directed just the nuptial blessings to be given without mass. Here, a maximum of 10 people may attend.
Given that there is a complete curfew on the weekends, marriages cannot take place then without special permission from government authorities.
The state government has decreed that up to 20 people may attend burial ceremonies, and the archdiocese has repeated that order.
Bodies are to be taken directly to the cemetery. Burial prayers are to be said without burial mass.
Confirmation ceremonies scheduled for the month of April have been postponed until the lockdown which can be determined in consultation with the bishop.