Panaji, Jul 22 (IANS): With public movement restricted due to the Covid-19 pandemic and "pujaris" (priests) reluctant to visit homes out of caution, a new online "puja" initiative started on the eve of the festival-heavy Shravan month by a local religious centre, has found backing across political lines.

The initiative started by the Shree Datta Padmanabh Peeth based in South Goa's Ponda sub district, offers online puja solutions for several festivals like Nag Panchami, Shravan Somvar, Satyanarayan Puja, Narali Poornima, etc. These are held during the Hindu calendar month of Shravan (beginning on July 23) which winds up with the culmination of Ganesh Chaturthi.

"Whatever the severity of the pandemic, it cannot be allowed to wean us away from God. So we have to take support of technology for worship. You can now offer prayers from the comfort of your home. Look at this as an opportunity and not an impediment," Sadguru Brahmeshanandacharya, spiritual head of the peeth said on Wednesday.

The peeth, also referred to as the Tapobhoomi is a politically sensitive entity with a mass following among the state's Bahujan Samaj (a non Brahmin caste grouping) in Goa.

According to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the online puja service would do away with the need for pujaris, who are reluctant to visit homes due to fear of contracting the dreaded viral infection during the pandemic. Goa currently has more than 1,400 active Covid-19 cases and has reported 25 deaths.

"All of us in Goa are facing several kinds of problems due to the pandemic. Pujaris who would frequent homes in Goa for purpose of puja are now reluctant to pay such visits. In view of this, I welcome initiative taken by the Padmanabh sampraday to the start online puja service," Sawant said in a video message.

"Even in absence of pujaris, the online puja service will make us feel that there is a pujari by your side to help assist with all rituals and observances," Sawant said.

Union Minister of State for Defence and AYUSH Shripad Naik has also backed the initiative. "Puja by video conference simplifies the process of worship for users, especially in these times," Naik said.

Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has also backed the online puja service. "There are Covid-19 cases increasing in Goa. Shravan is a holy month with many religious festivities. The online puja service will encourage social distancing," Kamat said.