No Ram Navami at Pohradevi in Washim this year

NAGPUR: The Ram Navami festival at Pohradevi and Umri Khurd in Manora taluka of Washim district has been cancelled this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The priest and religious leaders of the Banjara community held a joint press conference with the district collector of Washim on Monday asking people not to visit Pohradevi temple during the nine days.
The event is the biggest religious congregation of Banjara community and draws more than 10 lakh people.
“I appeal to people to follow rules and celebrate Ram Navami at home,” said religious leader of Banjara community Babusingh Maharaj.
Kabirdas Maharaj, head priest of the Pohradevi temple and president of the trust, also asked people not to visit the temple. Suni Maharaj, another priest, asked everyone to get vaccinated.
District collector Shanmugarajan S has already banned people’s movement completely in a 5-km area of the Pohradevi temple between April 18 and 22. District boundaries will be closed for devotees coming to Pohradevi and Umri Khurd. Also, orders have been issued to change the transport route during that period.