As the COVID-19 situation in Maharashtra started witnessing a downward trend, the state government has been gradually unlocking the state in phases. However, the government has issued strict guidelines to wear a face mask, following social distance rules at public places. It has to come to light that over the last month, the number of devotees flocking to temples and dargahs have increased. While these numbers are increasing, even social distancing rules are not being followed at religious places in the state.
Religious places across Maharashtra reopened on November 16 after nearly eight months of closure due to the lockdown imposed in a bid to control the coronavirus disease pandemic.
As per reports, the Shirdi's Sai baba temple, Siddhivinayak, Mahalakshmi, Mumbadevi temples and Hajiali Dargah witnessed huge crowds. However, at the Siddhivinayak in the city of Mumbai, the area was comparatively crowd-free as only those with either a QR code or an offline pass were permitted inside the premises. In addition, the state government has forbidden the devotees to carry flowers, worship materials, offerings and other materials with regards to worship in the Mahalakshmi and Mumbadevi temples. Similarly, no offerings are to be given to the devotees in the temple.
Despite the authorities’ restriction and strict orders, overcrowding was observed at several temples and the devotees were seen flouting the coronavirus norms.
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