Karnataka bans processions during Muharram, Ganesh Chaturthi amid COVID-19 fears
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Bengaluru, August 13: Taking the early precaution to contain the covid-19, amid the ongoing speculation over the COVID's third wave, Karnataka banned all e religious, cultural, and entertainment congregation/processions of people till August 20.
"All kinds of processions have been banned from August 12 to August 20. Alam/panja and tajiyath can be viewed from a distance without touching them. Wearing a mask is mandatory in prayer halls. All prayersare to be held in mosques in strict compliance with COVID norms. Except for masjid, mass prayer gathering is not allowed in community halls, open ground, shadi mahal, etc on the occasion of Muharram," read the state government order.
As per these new guidelines, the state government stated that all prayers associated with Muharram shall be held at Masjids (mosques) strictly adhering to Covid rules.
For Muslims, Muharram is considered to be the second holiest month after Ramzan, is the first month of the Islamic Year or the Hijri calendar.
The Muslim society's two major sects Shias and Sunnis observe the tragedy of Hussain martyrdom in the battle of Karbala in a contrasting manner. Shia, 's takeout street processions self-flagellate at various locations, while Sunnis do so to a much lesser extent, storytelling, weeping, and taking out processions but do not indulge in self-flagellation.
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The state government has imposed similar restrictions for Ganesh Chaturthi. In its guidelines, it has stated that no pandals, processions, and entertainment programs will be allowed for Ganesh Chaturthi. Ganesha idols should be submerged in designated places only. Temples that are observing the festival should be properly sanitised every day.
"No pandals to be set up for Ganesh Chaturthi. It has to be celebrated in a simple manner. Procession/entertainment program should be organised while bringing and submerging time of Ganesha idol. Ganesha Gowri idols should be submerged in designated places only. Temples that are observing the Ganesh Chaturthi festival should be properly sanitised every day. Devotees should be allowed after using sanitiser and temple administration should arrange thermal checking," added the order.
As many as 1,857 new COVID infections and 30 deaths were reported in Karnataka in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of infections to 29.24 lakh and the toll to 36,911, as per the state government data on Thursday.