Pune: The state government on Saturday declared that all religious places in the state will reopen from Monday. The state authorities already made clear that all religious places must follow all COVID-19 guidelines.
On the occasion of Diwali Padwa, all temples in Pune city are set to reopen. Every devotee must wear the mask while entering the temple premises while worshiping items such as garlands, coconut will not be accepted in some temples. The temple authorities have appealed all Puneities to follow all norms of social distancing as well.
Pune's beloved Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Trust has already stated that only those using mask will be allowed to seek darshan in the temple. Social distancing is mandatory thus devotees will need to follow it while in the queue. The Trust informed that effective measures will be taken to avoid the crowd.
Early morning puja on Diwali Padwa will be started at Sarasbaug Ganapati, Jogeshwari Temple, Dashbhuja Ganapati on Karve Road, and more. Those visiting in groups for darshan will be banned from entry. Tirtha Prasad will not be offered in the temple too, informed Shri Devdeveshwar Sansthan.
Pune District Collector Dr Rajesh Deshmukh said, "The novel virus has not gone completely. As per the instructions of the government, the trustees of temples and places of worship should take due care. People should follow all rules and use mask, sanitiser and maintain physical distance to curtail the further spread of COVID."
"We will strictly follow the government's instructions to prevent the spread of COVID. Devotees are waiting from long to seek blessings of Bappa. We are also ready to welcome the devotees. All COVID protocols will be followed thoroughly," said Mahesh Suryavanshi, Treasurer, Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Public Ganpati Trust.
Seerat Committee Secretary Rafiuddin Shaikh informed, "An order has been issued to open religious places. Therefore, mosques will be opened from Monday. The rules laid down by the state government regarding COVID will be strictly followed. Citizens should wear masks and maintain social distance."