All religious institutions including temples, mosques, churches and others can reopen for the public in the state capital from August 23, according to a notification issued by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC).
The BMC decided to allow opening of religious places to the public, with appropriate COVID-19 restrictions based on local assessment of the situation and in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
A consultative meeting with relevant stakeholders of all religious groups was held virtually on Saturday. However no devotee will be allowed inside the Garva Griha' or sanctum santorum of any temple area and will be allowed "Darshan' from a safe distance only. There shall be no food offerings in the temple. Shree Lingaraj Temple Administration. Bhubaneswar will take appropriate decision to open the temple on or after August 23, the notification said. At Lord Lingaraj temple, a maximum of 100 devotees will be allowed from Singhadwar to Ada- Katha (main temple). Sahan darshan / Garvagruha darshan (open darshan) will be completely prohibited. Similarly, no offerings to the lord shall be accepted by the Sebayats (servitors) and only Darshan will be allowed. In all other temples, churches, mosques, gurudwaras etc., not more than 25 people will be allowed to congregate. The BMC notification said religious institution authorities shall ensure maintenance of social distancing of 6 feet among visitors. All religious establishments sill also have to ensure RT-PCR testing of their priests/sebayats and only RT-PCR negative and Final COVID vaccination certificate holders will be allowed to perform rituals. The Priests/Sebayats shall have to put on Mask at all times. Religious authorities will have to provide for hand washing / hand sanitizing for devotees at entry and Exit points. Spitting inside & outside the premises and chewing of PAN /Ghutka is strictly prohibited. Vulnerable people with co-morbidities, old people, pregnant women or children below 18 years of age, are advised not to visit religious institutions.
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Dear Reader,
Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.
We, however, have a request.
As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.
Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.
Digital Editor
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU