CM’s Diwali gift: Temples allowed to open across state from Monday

CM’s Diwali gift: Temples allowed to open across state from Monday

‘Must Follow SOPs Or Face Strict Action’

Bhavika.Jain1@timesgroup.com

Mumbai:15.11.2020

Nearly seven months after the lockdown was imposed, the Maharashtra government announced on Diwali that all religious places in the state can re-open from Monday, November 16.

The state government has put together a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP), which must be followed by all religious institutions. Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday warned of strict action against violators.

In keeping with the “new normal”, touching of idols, holy books, physical offering of prasad and sprinkling of holy water will not be allowed. Devotees are expected to get their own prayer mats or pieces of cloth to pray on. Live choirs and singing groups will not be allowed; recorded devotional songs will be played.

The festive season and holidays bring lakhs of devotees and tourists to the temple towns like Kolhapur

Places of worship to open from tomorrow

The government has also issued an advisory requesting people above the age of 65, those with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 to not enter places of worship. Also, all Covid-19-related protocols of masking, a distance of six feet, and hand hygiene have to be followed.

“We can’t forget that the demon in the form of coronavirus is still around. Even though it is slowly falling silent, we cannot let our guard down. We must continue to show self-restraint, just like we did while celebrating all the religious festivals this year,” said Thackeray. He further said devotees must not treat guidelines laid down as government order but consider them as God’s wish.

As per the guidelines issued by the state, religious trusts have to stagger timings, have separate entry and exit, community kitchens should maintain social distancing, large gatherings must not be allowed and any shops inside or outside the premises should maintain adequate distancing. Crowd management at eating places and toilets should be strictly followed.

Staffers at religious places should undergo Covid tests before resuming work. Weekly tests of highly exposed groups are recommended. If a Covid-19 patient is detected on the premises, there should be a room to isolate the patient and the nearest health facility should be contacted. Disinfecting and sanitisation of the premises should be undertaken multiple times each day.