In view of rising coronavirus cases in Maharashtra, the state government came out with guidelines for the celebration of the Mahashivratri festival, which falls on March 11 this year. It also stated that all religious festivals are being celebrated simply since last year in accordance with COVID-related protocols.
Therefore, considering the situation, it is necessary to celebrate Mahashivratri in a very simple manner this year.
Lord Shiva is one of India’s most worshipped deities and has many temples dedicated to him.
However, due to an uptick in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, Trimbakeshwar Temple in Nashik and Babulnath Temple in Mumbai will remain closed for devotees on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. Besides, the fair that take place every year in the 12 Jyotirlingas, which is the most auspicious pilgrim destination for Shiva devotees, has also been cancelled.
The government said that not more than 50 persons should be present in a temple at a time during the Mahashivratri celebration.
Devotees should not crowd temples and instead offer prayers and perform pooja at home, the guidelines said. Moreover, senior citizens and children should not be brought to the temple for darshan.
Temple management should ensure that the premises are disinfected and COVID-19 safety protocol including social distancing and use of masks is followed, the government said.
On the day of Mahashivaratri, the temple manager and the local administration should pay special attention to ensure that there will be no crowd of garland and flower sellers on the temple premises.
A limited number of pavilions should be set up in line with the policy of the concerned local administration regarding pavilions. The manager of the Shiva temple should make the facility of darshan available online, through cable network, website and Facebook.
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