Gujarat: Temples opt to close over Covid fears

AHMEDABAD: Many major temples in Gujarat have decided to remain closed for a few days in view of the rising number of coronavirus cases. Of these, Ranchhodraiji temple at Dakor and Shyamlaji temple will remain closed for a day on Monday.
This, because the temple authorities are expecting a huge rush on the propitious occasion of ‘punam’.
Ravindra Upadhyay, general manager of Dakor temple, said that the decision to close the temple for devotees on Monday was taken following the Covid-19 situation.“Nearly 2.50 lakh devotees were expected to arrive on Monday, and hence this decision was taken. All the rituals can be attended online,” he said. Shyamlaji temple manager Kanubhai Patel said that over 15,000 devotees were expected to visit the temple on Monday. “The increasing number of Covid-19 cases has prompted us to shut the temple for devotees for a day on Monday,” Patel said.
The Dwarkadhish temple will remain closed for devotees from January 17 to 23. District collector Mukesh Pandya said, “In order to reduce rush of devotees and keeping in mind the pandemic situation, the temple will remain closed for devotees until January 23.”
Mehsana collector Udit Agarwal said that about 50,000 devotees were expected to visit the Becharaji temple on the auspicious day of ‘punam’ on Monday.
“Keeping in mind the pandemic situation, the temple will remain closed for devotees from January 17 to 22,” he said. The Ambaji temple announced earlier that it will remain closed for devotees until January 23.