MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said on Saturday that places of religious worship across the state, which were closed since the Covid-19 shutdown in March, will reopen starting Monday.
Thackeray said this in a statement.
Greeting people on the occasion of Diwali, he said: “We cannot forget that the coronavirus demon is still among us. Although this demon is falling silent now, we cannot be complacent. Citizens must follow discipline.”
“Just as discipline and restraint was observed when celebrating Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri and Pandharpur wari (annual pilgrimage), followers of other religions also celebrated festivals such as Eid, the Mount Mary festival, taking into account the Covid- security protocol. 19, “he said. said.
The chief minister said that although places of religious worship had to be closed during the pandemic, God was taking care of all the devotees in the form of doctors, nurses and other health personnel.
He said that after the Diwali Padwa religious places of worship reopening on Monday, the rules and security protocol must be strictly followed.
“Overcrowding will have to be avoided. The reopening of religious sites is not a government order, but the Almighty’s wish. Shoes must be kept outside the premises and the use of masks is mandatory,” he said.
“If we follow discipline, we will get the blessings of God,” Thackeray said.
The prime minister was repeatedly targeted by the opposition BJP for keeping places of worship closed even as the unblocking process began in June.
However, Thackeray had defended his decision by saying that physical distancing was difficult to follow in places of worship.
During his last webcast address to citizens, he said that standard operating procedures (SOPs) were being prepared and that the decision on reopening these venues will be made after Diwali.
The matter had also led to a confrontation between Thackeray and Governor BS Koshyari, who reminded the Shiv Sena president of his Hindutva credentials and asked him if he had become a layman.
The governor’s letter to the prime minister was criticized by MVA allies.
Thackeray said this in a statement.
Greeting people on the occasion of Diwali, he said: “We cannot forget that the coronavirus demon is still among us. Although this demon is falling silent now, we cannot be complacent. Citizens must follow discipline.”
“Just as discipline and restraint was observed when celebrating Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri and Pandharpur wari (annual pilgrimage), followers of other religions also celebrated festivals such as Eid, the Mount Mary festival, taking into account the Covid- security protocol. 19, “he said. said.
The chief minister said that although places of religious worship had to be closed during the pandemic, God was taking care of all the devotees in the form of doctors, nurses and other health personnel.
He said that after the Diwali Padwa religious places of worship reopening on Monday, the rules and security protocol must be strictly followed.
“Overcrowding will have to be avoided. The reopening of religious sites is not a government order, but the Almighty’s wish. Shoes must be kept outside the premises and the use of masks is mandatory,” he said.
“If we follow discipline, we will get the blessings of God,” Thackeray said.
The prime minister was repeatedly targeted by the opposition BJP for keeping places of worship closed even as the unblocking process began in June.
However, Thackeray had defended his decision by saying that physical distancing was difficult to follow in places of worship.
During his last webcast address to citizens, he said that standard operating procedures (SOPs) were being prepared and that the decision on reopening these venues will be made after Diwali.
The matter had also led to a confrontation between Thackeray and Governor BS Koshyari, who reminded the Shiv Sena president of his Hindutva credentials and asked him if he had become a layman.
The governor’s letter to the prime minister was criticized by MVA allies.
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