Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Oct 8: As the season of Hindu festivals begins, the state government has issued new guidelines. As huge crowds will be witnessed at the temples, additional care has to be taken. Temples where already food is served everyday as per routine, they can continue with the same but no temples should start it anew, the government has said.

These instructions were explained by deputy commissioner of the district, G Jagadeesha, who presided over a meeting held at the auditorium of the deputy commissioner's office on Wednesday October 7 about the steps to be followed during the festivals.

He informed the temple officials to strictly follow the government guidelines as precaution against the spread of coronavirus pandemic. "Box marks should be made on the floor to ensure that the visitors maintain a gap of six feet between them. Everyone should wear masks. Thermal scanning, and washing of hands with soap or use of sanitizers at the entry point are compulsory. On days when the number of devotees is high, assistance of the police department can be obtained," he explained.

He said that temple annual festivals, Brahmakalashotsavas, Pavitrotsavas and such other special occasions have been temporarily postponed. He advised the temple tantris, priests and staff to celebrate these occasions symbolically if there is no provision in the traditions to postpone them, without the participation of the crowd.

He advised sub divisional officers, tahisldar and police department to visit religious places and ensure that guidelines are being followed. In case of violations, he asked them to take legal steps.

Additional deputy commissioner Sadashiva Pabhu, and district tahsildar for religious endowments department Sudhakar, were present.