Mahalaya Amavasya rituals banned

16/09/2020

 Staff ReporterCoimbatore

As part of COVID-19 precautionary measures, the district administration has banned congregation of devotees at temples or water bodies close to temples to conduct Mahalaya Amavasya rituals on September 17.

District Collector K. Rajamani said in a release that owners of private halls near temples must get permission from the authorities before renting the premises for these occasions.

HR&CE Department officials said that the crowds are expected at Perur Patteeswarar Temple, Karamadai Aranganatha Swamy Temple and Thekkampatti Vanabadrakaliamman Temple in Coimbatore district. While the rituals are not allowed, the temples will be open for devotees with the usual COVID-19 precautionary measures.

Erode Staff Reporter adds

The Erode district administration has also banned congregation of devotees at temples and river beds on September 17. Collector C. Kathiravan, however, said that devotees can offer prayers at temples.